FRANK COSGROVE,
Sir, - Now that the air is heavy with the mating calls of the political parties, surely it's time to ask: is not the essence of a democratic system that there should be a choice between two or more points of view?
In the Irish context this seems not to be the case. The three main political parties, despite all the huffing and puffing, have no fundamental policy differences between them. This is what makes choosing a mate so difficult. A liberal capitalist consensus commands the political spectrum from left to right and dominates the media to such an extent that no mainstream politician may express a non-liberal view on any topic.
In a curious reversal of sentiment, the liberal agenda has replaced the Catholic Church as the arbiter of good and evil. This consensus has become so rigid and stifling that there is no longer room for debate. The Irish electorate, once so passionate about politics, has lost interest, regards politicians with profound contempt, and is apathetic about voting.
At the heart of all politics is the conflict between the interests of the individual and those of society, so eloquently expressed by Margaret Thatcher when she said: "There is no such thing as society". At the heart of the liberal capitalist ideology is the individual, his or her property, rights and freedoms. Anything that constrains the individual is bad.
Despite all the enlightenment and education dispensed by the media - and to their great surprise - about half the Irish electorate has espoused alternative views and expressed them in the Nice and other referendums over the past 20 years. These views have a more community-based, traditional and Christian approach to economic and social issues which is not reflected properly in the political spectrum.
If confidence is to be restored in Irish politics, courageous action is needed. The Tallaght strategy must be pursued a step or two further and the three main political parties must let reason prevail and amalgamate to form a Liberal Capitalist Consensus Party.
An opposition with distinct and different views will emerge as a natural reaction and in time democracy will be restored and a real choice afforded to the electorate. - Yours, etc.,
FRANK COSGROVE,
Ardmulchan,
Navan,
Co Meath.