Sir, – Derek Scally's "European models of coalition – what lessons can Ireland learn?" (Analysis, March 1st) was interesting but did not tell the whole story. Those continental European electoral systems do not result in the same proportion of Independent members and micro-parties as we now have. In Germany, for example, a party must obtain at least 5 per cent of the national vote to hold any seats in the national parliament. Thus negotiations and agreements on programmes for government are between parties that are broadly based.
The Dáil is supposed to be a legislature, not a talking shop for disgruntled minorities and single-issue members. Unless the country faces up to the need for electoral reform, we face a future of political instability, high taxation and economic stagnation. – Yours, etc,
CON LUCEY,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.