Sir, - Once again, the body politic reeks with the stench of scandal. This time it appears to involve politicians from various parties, other public figures and public officials.
Judging by the frantic efforts made to muddy the waters, it is doubtful if the full facts of this sorry episode will ever emerge. One thing, however, is certain no matter what does or does not emerge, further irreparable damage has been done to the political system, if not to democracy itself.
As evidenced by the pathetically low turnouts in recent elections and referenda, it is obvious that the twin enemies of democracy, apathy and cynicism, are already hard at work. The current shenanigans, allied to the fact that hardly a week passes without a cock up of some sort being revealed, threaten the very fabric of our democracy and make it imperative that resolute measures be taken now to cut out the cancer, no matter what the cost. - Yours, etc.,
Silchester Park,
Glenageary,
Co. Dublin.