Sir, - It has occurred to me that the people should be consulted by way of referendum with a view to amending the Constitution so that in future all public representatives would be eligible for re-election at either local or national level, only once, thereby serving a maximum of 10 years.
This, to my mind, would help to restore public confidence in the democratic process by involving more citizens in local and national government, minimise nepotism and enable anyone wishing to represent the public to concentrate their energies during two terms of public office. - Yours, etc.,
Peter Gaughan, Monkstown Valley, Co Dublin.