Blocking byelections

Madam, – With regard to the non-holding of the three byelections, the fact that the Government can continue going about its …

Madam, – With regard to the non-holding of the three byelections, the fact that the Government can continue going about its business without these three TDs suggests that they are not needed at all. At an annual salary of roughly €90,000 plus unvouched expenses of €15,000 that’s an annual saving of €105,000 to the tax payer for each TD position that is left vacant.

As taxpayers we should be asking how many more TDs are completely unnecessary and what would be the consequent saving to the taxpayers of leaving their positions unfilled? Our nearest neighbour, the UK, currently has one MP per 92,000 people. If this ratio were applied here it would reduce the number of TDs from the current 166 to roughly 50.

The subsequent annual savings of €12 million could than be re-directed to providing essential frontline services to the taxpayers of this country. – Yours, etc,

RUARY MARTIN,

Clonard Court,

Balbriggan,

Co Dublin.

Madam, – I note the “chief whip says the Dáil is too busy for byelection” (Dáil Report, June 24th). At the same time we are in the process of banning stag hunting, cutting a further €3 billion in public sector spending (Home News June 24th) and outrageously bailing out Treasury Holdings and its high-profile directors! What is the difference between a Nama and a Banana Republic? Phone a friend, but do not ask the audience! – Yours, etc,

JOHN R QUIGLEY,

Mallow Street,

Limerick.