Sir, – In recent years there has been a lot of commentary on public representatives leaving politics for various reasons, not least the impact on one’s mental health of constant abuse – both online and off.
Not only are public representatives walking away, many people would no longer even consider standing as a candidate, such are the experiences of some elected representatives.
To be sure, constructive criticism and rigorous debate are welcome features in a healthy democracy.
However, the description employed by Una Mullally ("Fine Gael's byelection candidate? You couldn't make him up", Opinion, July 5th) in what has now become a regular column bashing Fine Gael, of Cllr James Geoghegan as "an inexperienced candidate who has made no impact on public life" is entirely inaccurate and uncalled for.
Ms Mullally’s column, an opportunistic contribution days away from the Dublin Bay South byelection, is demolished by even a cursory glance at the Dublin City Council website.
Not only does that website contain the minutes of the full and area council meetings but, due to Covid-19, recordings of the meetings.
The contribution that Cllr Geoghegan has made, as with all of the councillors, is there for anyone to see, and they demolish the nasty and malicious view held by Ms Mullally.
The publication of yesterday’s opinion article does a great disservice not only to Cllr Geoghegan and his family but also to the reputation of The Irish Times.
– Yours, etc,
JOHN HOGAN,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.