Sir, – Michael O'Leary's view that a vote for an Independent candidate or a populist party is a wasted vote is thought-provoking ("Politicians react to O'Leary swipe at vote for 'lunatics'", April 16th).
Our model of proportional representation is moving toward the peak of democracy – a government representing everyone yet incapable of governing. – Yours, etc,
EDWARD DOYLE,
Cork.
Sir, – Michael O’ Leary of Ryanair advises against voting for the “lunatic” inclusion of Independent TDs in government affairs. Perhaps he has never had to fight against disadvantage like the disabled, or received support in achieving his degree through adult education or had the need to find a GP in rural Ireland. Perhaps the country would be better off if Independent TDs such as Finian McGrath, Catherine Zappone and Dr Michael Harty stayed in bed.
The last two governments in Ireland did not rely on the support of Independent TDs. They still managed to cut the disability benefit while continuing the subvention of the horse-breeding and racing industry and recoiling from introducing a tax on gambling.
It is the Independent TDs who represent people who would like an equal stake in Irish society and without having to depend on the crumbs flicked from the tables of the charity hunt balls. – Yours, etc,
EUGENE TANNAM.
Firhouse,
Dublin 24.
Sir, – May I remind all those who are disappointed with the choice of the electorate that the basis of democracy is that the people have the right to be wrong. – Yours, etc,
DAVID SEXTON,
Seaford,
East Sussex, England.
Sir, – Michael O’Leary has referred to the “lunatics” in the Dáil. Having listened to the endless and often nonsensical debates over the past seven to eight weeks, it is becoming difficult to disagree. The elephant in the room is the 15 Independents. Each has his or her own constituency requirements and they cannot all be accommodated. Fianna Fáil proposed excluding Fine Gael from government but the public did not agree and gave Fine Gael more votes and seats than that party. It seems very strange now that Fianna Fáil does not accept this and enter partnership. – Yours, etc,
STAN GLOVER,
Dublin 13.