Sir, - The recent Irish Times/ MRBI opinion poll (May 18th) shows the established opposition in the 26 counties languishing (especially the Labour Party), while institutionalised corruption in the form of FF or FG looks set to be returned in one form or another on these figures (figures which may also make the calling of a late summer election by Bertie Ahern a possibility, before any further "events" in Tribunaland).
Only the left and greens united, or at least supporting a minimum programme which addresses the urgent needs of a moment on the island, including housing, transport, social justice, state accountability and a campaign on climate change and for renewable energy sources and which promises government by uncorrupt people of integrity, can provide a credible alternative to old corruption and thus galvanise the electorate. Either this or them contributing to the formation of the sort of new party that was briefly promised last year.
This could be especially so if the republican movement is prepared to allow Sinn Fein to participate in such a political future (by declaring that the war is over, etc.). The political situation needs to be politically galvanised rather than being allowed to languish. - Yours, etc.,
Joe Murphy, The Square, Skerries, Co Dublin.