Sir, – Fintan O'Toole should realise that even little ideas can have big consequences ("What's the big idea? It's time for the State to consider a real democracy", Opinion & Analysis, November 18th). Why not include the banning of smoking in pubs and the charging for plastic bags as big ideas? From little saplings do great oaks grow. – Yours, etc,
JUDITH GOLDBERGER,
Donnybrook, Dublin 4.