Madam, – In 2008 the electorate rejected the Lisbon Treaty. In the days after the referendum, many public figures, Eamon Gilmore among them, pointed out that the holding of a second referendum would be an insult to democracy. But The Irish Timesdisplayed no such sensitivity, even in the short term, and yours was among the first voices calling for a second referendum. It wasn't that you found anything irregular or undemocratic in the way the first referendum was held. It was simply that you didn't like the result.
Recently, however, you called on the Government to hold the three outstanding byelections, on the grounds that the constituencies concerned are entitled to their full democratic representation. Now you call (October 9th) for a general election in November so that whichever government is to implement the four-year plan may have a democratic mandate.
Welcome to the pro-democracy movement, Madam. Please stay this time. – Yours, etc,