Sir, - Why is your correspondent Frank McDonald so anxious to imply that we "LUAS bashers" have some other agenda than that we have stated in public? Why does he seek conspiracy in the actions of those whose views he does not share?
According to research carried out on behalf of the DTI in 1992, we are expressing the views of the majority. Like the majority, I support the idea of a tram or light rail system for Dublin (89 per cent). Like the majority, I support an underground section through, central Dublin (52 per cent). Like the majority, I support the building of the Eastern Bypass (81 per cent). Again, like the majority, I do not believe that these solutions are mutually exclusive.
On the other hand, is not Mr McDonald in the minority, because he does not support the underground option and the Eastern Bypass? He implies that his views have majority support. I have no doubt but that he is wrong, despite his reliance on the most extensive consultation process every undertaken by any public body."
Were there a local (Dublin metropolitan counties) referendum on these issues, I believe the "LUAS bashers" would win, and Mr McDonald and the anti tunnellers would lose. A city centre underground section is the better option.
The Taoiseach and the Government are committed to greater local democracy. Here is one such opportunity; perhaps Mr McDonald and The Irish Times will now join us in a campaign for such a referendum? After all, the people of Zurich had one, although they were voting to preserve an existing tramway and not to build a new one. - Yours, etc.,
P.C., MPRII,
Pine Valley.
Grange Road,
Dublin 16.