Sir, – Former Irish Times editor Conor Brady (Opinion, May 6th) makes the by-now standard plea that all would-be senators and friends and relatives of senators make to save the Seanad – that it has been a forum for many of the great characters of Irish life to air their views, and that without it, they would not be heard. In the age of twitter, Facebook, online newspapers and 24-hour rolling TV news channels, the notion that somebody important with something important to say cannot publicly air their views is utter nonsense.
In fact, one place that debate is least likely to be heard by the masses is the Seanad chamber. If “the people” really wanted to pay these worthies to render their opinions, they would elect them to a place where they could actually make a difference, ie the Dáil. The Seanad is just “jobs for the boys”. – Yours, etc,
JOHN THOMPSON,
Shamrock Street,
Phibsboro,
Dublin 7.