Sir. Some thoughts on election logistics. Could we reduce the long interregnum which accompanies general elections for Dail Eireann 48 days from dissolution in 1989 and 68 days in 1992? Following a three week election campaign the new Dail normally meets three weeks from polling day, allowing a very generous recovery period. Yet further delays may arise before a new government emerges - 13 days in 1989 and 29 days in 1992.
Surely these waiting periods could be drastically reduced. The explanation offered for the delays is that election results are inconclusive, requiring prolonged reflection and inter party negotiation to form a new administration. If it takes so long to resolve the permutations and combinations, it would be better to settle for a replay in the first instance. Invite the people to vote again for a decisive result. - Yours, etc.
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.