Madam, - I have just received my ballot paper for the election of doctors to the places allotted for them on the new Medical Council. I am a believer in the democratic process and normally always exercise my right to vote in any situation when it arises.
With regret, I have spoiled my vote on this occasion. This may be a matter of total irrelevance to many of your readers but I owe it, to myself at least, to try to make a statement of principle.
I have no confidence in the make-up and electoral system for the new council and the fact that it has been politicised. In addition, the candidate lists have no accompanying information about the individuals, of whom only one name means anything to me personally. In this regard, I am aware that some of the nominations relate to an organised or semi-organised grouping (some of whose views I share) but do not believe that any such development is in the long-term interest of the profession, of patients or of the council itself.
One voice may not count for much but, should you publish this letter, I am urging medical colleagues to think very carefully about lending credibility to the council by participating in the election.
- Yours, etc,
NEIL J BRENNAN, MB FRCPI, Shanakiel, Cork.