Sir, - It is not very often that I agree with a political correspondent. However, Mark Brennock's serious analysis of Independent candidates deserves comment (The Irish Times, March 2nd), for he shows respect for the nine per cent of the Irish people who choose to vote Independent.
Most of our national media, including RTÉ, often ignore elected people with democratic mandates on such issues as our health service, people with disabilities, care of the elderly, crime, education, racism and poverty.
Many of us have pushed these issues for years and got elected despite being constantly marginalised. Mr Brennock is right to say that our voters are people with "concern". Above all they are people who care about their communities and have a great sense of public service.
Let's hope our national media will treat all our Independent candidates with respect and fairness in the build-up to the general election. We are not looking for anything extra or special. After all, Mr Brennock is right to say that our voters are "politically aware, more concerned than average, and more outraged by political scandals".
Their voices should be heard. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr FINIAN McGRATH,
Griffith Avenue,
Dublin 9.