Madam, - The time is now ripe for all TDs in the mid-west region to resign from their respective parties and to form a new Mid-West Party. Recent events have shown what Fianna Fáil thinks of the mid-west and if any one thinks that Fine Gael would have acted any differently they are sorely mistaken.
There are 18 TDs in the region (Clare has four, Limerick eight, Tipperary North two, North Kerry three and South Offaly one). This is just two fewer than the Labour Party's 20 TDs.
Any mid-west party would have a serious say in the running not just of this region but of the State as a whole. With the loss of Fianna Fáil seats to such a party, FF would no longer be able to rely on the PDs, the Greens or Independents but would be forced to look to a larger party such as Labour or the Mid-West Party to form a government. The same would apply to Fine Gael. The Mid-West Party could well be a part of government forever.
Forward thinking by mid-western politicians is needed now so that this region may prosper. It's time for change, real change. The ability to change this region and country for the better and to breathe fresh air into the stale politics of this country is in the the grasp of all the people in the mid-west.
I call on all voters across the region to ask their TDs to resign from their respective parties and to form a Mid-West Party. - Is mise,
ANTHONY FINNIN, John Carew Park, Limerick.