Sir, – Twenty-four hours after Greek opinion polls declared the referendum too close to call, the Greek people voted No by a margin of 22 per cent. This follows similarly incorrect predictions in the Irish same-sex referendum and the British general election.
Is it not time for media organisations, including The Irish Times, and the political parties to question the worth of the data these companies provide given their recent track record?
Pat Rabbitte seems to be ahead of the curve. I note that he’s decided not to contest the next election despite polling data suggesting he would be elected in Dublin South West. Is this the start of a trend? – Yours, etc,
PETER THEW
Clane,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – The full political and economic consequences of the Greek referendum have yet to unfold. However, the speed and efficiency with which the referendum was held was truly remarkable. The speed and efficiency with which the result was announced was even more remarkable.
This demonstration of speed and efficiency from the Greek political system, prompts me to pose a question to our own politicians in this country: When are we going to see similar speed and efficiency in the Irish political system?
Indeed, when are we going to see any kind of speed and efficiency, in the Irish political system? – Yours, etc,
TIM BUCKLEY
White Street,
Cork City.
Sir, – Fintan O'Toole tells us that "the rules that shape our collective lives" are "obscure" and that the Greeks are acting as good Europeans (Opinion and Analysis, July 7th).
There is nothing obscure about a country running its affairs in such a way that it does not go bankrupt. Most of the countries of the euro zone were good Europeans to the extent that they managed that. Greece did not.
There is nothing obscure about the expectation that when you borrow money you are expected to pay it back. Greece has already defaulted and is threatening further defaults.
Given its history Europe is very wary of countries trying to dismantle the country next door. There is nothing obscure about that. Yet to give the two fingers to the people who have given it billions, Greece is cosying up to Russia which is in the process of dismantling Ukraine. Good Europeans they are not.
Despite this relative lack of obscurity about the basic rules we have what Mr O’Toole calls “illuminati”, people laden with Nobel Prizes and academic qualifications supporting Greece’s indefensible position.
Instead of dealing in obscurities Mr O’Toole should be telling us the plain facts about Greece’s position. – Yours, etc,
A LEAVY
Sutton,
Dublin 13
Sir, – The headline " 'No' victory thrills Greeks urging fightback" understates Denis Staunton's (Opinion, July 7th) comprehensive and insightful overview of the crisis.
Especially, his references to EU commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker’s warning that “international speculators would seek to destroy the euro if Greece left”; he also notes Russia’s suggestion that Greece should join the New Development Bank it set up as an alternative to the International Monetary Fund.
These broaden the context immeasurably beyond the focus of most commentators.
However his observation that “The Greek prime minister’s hand was further strengthened by a declaration of support for his negotiating position by three Greek opposition parties, including the centre-left Pasok and the centre-right New Democracy”, is the most crucial point. This multi-party suppor is the key new card that Tsipras brings to the talks.
No Greek leader has come to the table with such an extraordinary possibility – nor are the EU, ECB, IMF likely to get a better opportunity for lasting agreement. – Yours, etc,
EDWARD MORAN,
Belmullet,
Co Mayo.
Sir, – The same commentators appear to defend Greece’s right to use legal measures to avoid repaying creditors, while simultaneously decrying the new owners of Clerys the right to do so. Consistency would help! – Yours, etc,
Dr PEADAR GRANT
Dundalk,
Co Louth.
Sir, – The Greek people have spoken, so now let us allow the other euro zone members have their referendum. The question should read, “Do you accept more austerity to enable Greece to have less austerity”. Interesting times? – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL STOREY
Glencar.
Sligo.