Sir, – Stephen Collins is correct in stating that a Sinn Féin government is not inevitable after the next election, despite many commentators assuming it is a done deal (Opinion & Analysis, December 29th). In November 1982, Charles Haughey secured 45 per cent of the popular vote and ended up in opposition. Ireland has a proportional representation system, which usually results in a coalition government.
Those commentators who grasp the maths of this, but yearn for a Sinn Féin government, simply assume that Fianna Fáil will make up the mathematical shortfall, despite the leadership and most of the elected representatives of Fianna Fáil discounting that option.
If the Coalition Government maintains cohesion going into the next election then there is a good chance of it being returned. Admittedly there are some among its ranks who will find it difficult to maintain this discipline. – Yours, etc,
SEAN RYAN,
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Castleconnell,
Co Limerick.
