Madam, – One hopes George Lee prefers his new blue shirt to his old hair shirt. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – How refreshing. George Lee’s nomination brings some desperately needed professionalism and real intellectual quality to the candidates vying in the two up-coming byelections. By comparison, the push by Fianna Fáil to draft in the old familiar names by nominating Shay Brennan and Maurice Ahern shows how little that party has learned about the electorate’s growing disillusionment with the politics of parish, tribe, inheritance and entitlement.
Hopefully, regardless of party, Mr Lee’s candidacy at last marks the arrival of a new politics in Ireland based more on the recruitment of individuals capable of making a real contribution, at the national as well as the local level, and less on the principal of perpetuating talentless dynasties. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I think that it was very disappointing that Vincent Browne could be so cynical about George Lee’s decision to go forward for election (Opinion, May 6th). It would be agreed by everybody that Mr Lee has approached his career to date with great professionalism. He has consistently offered clarity on economic issues that are otherwise hard to understand. At his age, he is probably close to the peak of his earnings potential. At the same time, he has put forward the case that it is time for people like him to play a bigger part in fixing the problems of this country.
Surely Mr Lee should be applauded for what I believe to be an iconic stance? Surely our parliament should comprise people of such calibre and achievement? How can the country get out of the current mess unless intelligent people with a real determination for change go forward for office?
Mr Browne has always been a very incisive commentator on political issues. Now Mr Lee wants to tackle those issues from a more influential position. That decision should be held up as an example to others like him irrespective of party allegiances. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Does George Lee know something we don’t? Economic recovery must be on the horizon. Why else would he, of all people, leave a permanent pensionable job with the State broadcaster to run for election? Maybe he couldn’t face the prospect of trying to convey gloom through another economic boom. Ireland will soon be back in business. Mochachinos for everybody! – Yours, etc,