Sir, - In referring to "our democracy", can Noel Dempsey possibly be referring to Ireland, where 22 per cent of those born in the State (now living elsewhere) are deliberately excluded from Dail elections; where 96 per cent of citizens are excluded from Senate elections?
Perhaps he is using a private definition of democracy which is unknown elsewhere. Clearly, it does not correspond to the widely accepted view that in a democracy, above all, the citizen must have the right to vote. If Mr Dempsey wishes to be credible, he should convince the Government to move towards democracy by enabling non-resident citizens to vote in Dail and other elections and by instituting Senate elections where all citizens can vote.
In the meantime, regular references to "our democracy" and endless repetition of the Government line that "Ireland is a parliamentary democracy" do not alter the facts. They demonstrate that Ireland's electoral system is neither free nor fair, is undemocratic and breaches several international agreements, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. - Yours, etc.,
Daithi O Colcuin, Campsie NSW 2194, Australia.