Sir, - The forthcoming local elections will give us a wonderful opportunity to change local government radically for the 21st century. If we want to do this, we have to begin by breaking the stranglehold of the larger political parties.
If representatives of smaller, more radical parties and independents are elected, the power structure in county councils will be changed and better decisions will be made, especially in relation to protecting the environment. How often have we seen Fianna Fail and Fine Gael councillors involved in controversial rezoning decisions? The Flood Tribunal has opened people's eyes to the link between politicians and developers in Dublin.
In my professional experience of planning matters for over 10 years, I have witnessed many examples of bad planning policy. All over the country, the environment is getting a real hammering and the larger political parties are ineffective in doing much about it. We need a lot of new blood at local level - strong-minded, independent people who are not afraid to stand up to vested economic interests, and who can make life better for everyone. - Yours, etc., David Hickie,
Sandymount, Dublin 4.