Sir, - Last week I was your average middle-class voter. Today, I find myself on the verge of becoming a left-wing radical. Cause? The continual plummeting of standards in public life, to depths that perhaps even Russia may be envious of.
While it would undoubtedly have been naive for anyone to believe that Ireland's political system was relatively free from corruption in the process of decision making, there was, however, a feeling that the vast majority of politicians served the State well, and not his or her back pocket. Such a position is becoming increasingly difficult for many, like myself, to maintain.
Politicians to whom I looked to in admiration for their protestations against corruption increasingly appear neutral, if not implicated in the ongoing planning scandals. In any other democracy the opposition parties would be baying for blood and widespread reforms. In this country vocal and unconditional condemnation of wrong-doings have been conspicuous through their absence of late.
God forbid that I become a revolutionary tomorrow! - Yours, etc.
John Paul Seery, St Mary's Drive, Walkinstown, Dublin 12.