Sir, – Does anyone, including Noel Whelan ("Sadly, clothes will be an issue for female candidates", Opinion & Analysis, November 6th), really believe that local and international political events occur only after TDs (rural or otherwise) have brought the children to the creche, dropped their partner to work, and are comfortably ensconced in their Dáil offices and its environs? Dáil sitting times are an irrelevance given that few TDs actually occupy their seats except for "event" sittings. Perpetual availability is a characteristic, often sought after or intended, of everyone's life. Anyone with political aspirations who wants a (predominantly) 9-ish to 5-ish job should limit their political focus to the Seanad. – Yours, etc,
DERMOT
SHINNERS-KENNEDY,
Ballysimon,
Limerick.