Sir, – I agree with Daniel K Sullivan ( September 3rd).
Why, when a candidate – who happens to be male – is chosen, is there such disapproval from some quarters, solely on the basis of his gender? It seems that some people want objectivity, but on their own terms. They are against discrimination, unless it’s discrimination that suits their agenda. The irony here is dazzling.
The introduction of gender quotas could result in better candidates losing out to weaker candidates. Is this really what we want? A better-qualified woman should not lose out to a lesser-qualified man. Similarly, a better-qualified man should not lose out to a lesser-qualified woman.
I would whole-heartedly welcome an increase in female candidates at the next general election, but gender quotas are not the way to go. Gender quotas, by their very nature, facilitate and encourage sexual discrimination. Is this not precisely what advocates of gender quotas are seeking to address?
Candidates should be chosen on the basis of ability and merit, irrespective of gender. – Yours, etc,
ROB SADLIER,
Stocking Avenue,
Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.