Sir, – Kathy Sheridan is, as usual, incisive and so right ("Time for voters to shake off the shackles of localism", Opinion & Analysis, December 17th). However, she does not specifically mention the fundamental causes of the political malaise that have been with us since the foundation of the State, ie the PR voting system, multiseat constituencies and too many TDs, which breed and feed on localism. The electorate was given two chances to change the system in 1959 and 1968, but declined.
There is no indication that the established parties or the so-called “reformers” are prepared to tackle these real issues now. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN O’DONNELL,
Glenageary,
READ MORE
Co Dublin.