Sir, – In looking for more reasoned debate in Irish politics, Patrick Keogh believes "the current Opposition will argue against anything the Government is trying to do, irrespective of its benefits" (Letters, February 28th). The Taoiseach is also on record of accusing Sinn Féin of being in "destructive opposition mode".
A strong Opposition presents alternative policy options and prevents the Dáil from being a mere talking shop. In seeing themselves as the government in waiting, opposition parties often feel compelled to frequently deride Government policies, however unfairly and especially when facing the media. Without strong constructive criticism, this can damage a party’s credibility.
Should a critical state of affairs arise in future, what are the chances of us seeing a return to an Opposition strategy pursued in the 1980s? Fine Gael, then in Opposition, followed a policy of not opposing the then government’s economic reforms which were in the national interest. – Yours, etc,
KEVIN
McLOUGHLIN,
Ballina,
Co Mayo.