Sir, – I totally agree with Stephen Collins's arguments in his column in Saturday's Irish Times ("Media needs to reflect on the standards it employs", Opinion & Analysis, November 14th).
However, it is not just the media that is at fault here. The modern tendency to dismiss all politicians as corrupt or inept is worrying and dangerous given that those politicians hold power as a result of democratic elections.
It is only a small step from this anti-politician mood to an anti-democratic one and therein lies an incalculable threat. This public mood has been seen to its full extent in the recent anti-water charges protests. It is also of no little importance that the only cause that will now bring people out on the streets in their thousands is a monetary one.
I am not banging a drum on behalf of any politician or political party and I am in no position to condemn anyone who takes to the streets in protest against perceived injustices. However, the assumption of cupidity on the part of every elected politician is not just unfair but could have untold repercussions to our democracy.
I would expect those who have objections to make about politics and politicians to be specific about the issues and not indulge in personal attacks. Those who would seek a change of government should do so in the time-honoured way of working for their preferred candidates and trying to garner votes by reason and argument.
It might still result in a government with which they disagree though and, if this were to be the case, they should accept the will of the people and struggle on.
That, in a nutshell, is what democracy is all about.
As for the media, is it necessary for them to adopt the worst features of the foreign press to keep their ships afloat? If so, might it not be best all round if their ships foundered? – Yours, etc,
MAIRIN de BURCA,
Dublin 3.