Sir, - It seems the Irish people get the politicians they deserve. After a litany of scandals and subsequent outrage surrounding the Beef Tribunal, the Fr Brendan Smyth affair, the Blood Transfusion Supply Board, etc., we find Albert Reynolds and Michael Lowry topping the polls in their respective constituencies. It seems that we're very forgiving, or is it that we expect so little from those we elect?
In a very lacklustre campaign, when limes are so good and improving for so many, when perhaps there might be scope to sort out the problems of homelessness, crime and poverty, so little was offered by way of real solutions. Instead we were offered more of the same.
It seems an affront that with 250,000 unemployed, with up to 30 per cent of the population living in poverty, with homelessness and even malnutrition still existing, politicians offered £1.5 billion back to taxpayers with little real commitment to tackle grinding poverty, drug problems, crime and deprivation. Or is that all the electorate wants?
We voted for more of the same. We voted in a recipient of Ben Dunne's charity and a Health Minister who intimidated the family of the victim of BTSB ineptitude. We voted for the politics of the contented. The only real issue for many was crime, where we believe that if we build enough prison space and employ 1,000 additional gardai this little problem will be solved. As a society let's not kid ourselves about what we've voted for.
Would we have voted for a party that told the truth and offered no tax cuts but offered to solve the problems that affect us? That promised to put money into deprived areas, by pushing the best education at those who most need it? That put money into real drug rehabilitation programmes? That put health programmes into the most deprived areas? That fed children at schools? That gave the best resources to those who really need it? That actively provided real training resources? That offered real tax reform - but probably no tax cuts?
As a nation are we prepared to make that choice? Can we be surprised if our politicians fail us if we vote for more of the same? Can we be surprised if we're still living with the same problems? - Yours, etc.,
Brighton Avenue,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.