Sir, The Bail Referendum is upon us. What are people to do? There is scant discussion about this vital human rights issue or the effects that any constitutional change will really have on the individual. All of the main political parties are asking us to vote in favour of the referendum. This is convenient, because if they all agree there is no reason for politicians to get involved in discussion or to warn us of potential difficulties. It also means that nobody in particular will take responsibility if any diminution in people's security or rights occurs, or for any individual wrong (and there is no compensation for mistakes!).
I fail to see any logic in the need for a referendum at this point. The main reason given for it is to prevent crime being committed by people on bail. If that is the case, why not tackle the issue of crime committed by people on bail? I certainly would favour this approach. I strongly disapprove of the whole population being adversely effected because of a few hundred thugs and several thousand sick, drug-dependent people. The Bail Referendum, in reality, is an admission by our statutory bodies of their failure and inability to deal effectively with the issues of drugs and organised crime.
It would seem preferable that instead of meddling dangerously with the Constitution that serves to protect the individual, we should review and, if necessary, change the law (not the Constitution). The main cause of crime ought also to be addressed - the drugs issue. A "No" vote would constitute a strong message that people want these issues tackled in a proper manner, without threat to their own civil liberties or rights as citizens. - Yours, etc.,
Larchfield Road, Goatstown, Dublin 14.