Sir, – "Blueprint for a smarter society" is a great article by Fintan O'Toole (Weekend Review, October 26th). It has always struck me as a huge paradox that we use a top-down centralised hierarchical system of government, when we have a community-based culture most European countries must envy.
Our politicians seek power, when what they really should be doing is seeking to leave a legacy for the generations to come. Instead, they use the resources of the State to retain power, all the time claiming to be “looking after” their constituents.
If it is any consolation, the same complaints can be heard by people across the western world. This short-term power craving over long-term planning is failing people now, and storing up huge problems for the future.
Real change will never come from the top down, but rather from the still-strong grass roots. Perhaps The Irish Times might like to take the next step and help organise/sponsor a conference for a community-centred Ireland. – Yours, etc,
GERRY KELLY,
Orwell Gardens,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.