Sir, - In the aftermath of the last general election, in a move designed to grab power at all costs, Fianna Fβil entered a Faustian pact with four so-called Independents under which they undertook to support the Government as long as various projects in their constituencies were prioritised for the expenditure of taxpayers' money.
This undemocratic arrangement, which formalised the politics of the parish pump, has been the subject of very little criticism in the four years that have elapsed. On the contrary, media reports from time to time have outlined how well each of the constituencies was faring and the four politicians concerned have been elevated to a status out of all proportion to the support which they enjoy from the electorate.
Now, however, emboldened by their success to date, these parish pump politicians have defied the Government and have forced it to abandon highly desirable legislation because they decided it was inimical to their own selfish interests.
A Government unable to get its legislation through the Dβil has lost its authority to rule and should seek a fresh mandate from the electorate. - Yours, etc.,
M D. Kennedy, Silchester Park, Glenageary, Co Dublin.