A Chara, - Mr O'Connor, (October 25th) refers to political amnesia and warns the government that the nurses and their supporters will not forget their deplorable actions come the next election. Though I share Mr O'Connor's wish that this be so I cannot have his faith in it. As someone who has done his fair share of electoral canvassing, I believe the people turned off by the actions of the Government will just not vote at the next election.
Anyone involved in politics can tell you of being told at the door-step by voters that "they're all gangsters" and that none of them are getting a vote. Whilst this apathy is understandable with the shadow of Ansbacher, Moriarty et al hanging over us, it is not excusable. Democracy gives people the government they deserve. As a friend put it recently Fianna Fail could sell children into bondage and still be sure of 35 per cent of the vote.
I plead with voters to use their vote. If you are disgusted, as I am, with the antics of a contemptible government, and a supine and lazy opposition, don't stay at home. Come out and vote for some-one else. Vote for the activists on the ground who are putting in the work and break away from past party loyalties. The larger parties are convinced that "this too will pass". Send them a message. Make sure it's heard and the next time you vote, vote for someone else. If you don't, if you stay at home, then you have no-one to blame but yourself for another five years of contempt. - Is mise, -
Justin Moran, Ballymun, Dublin 11.