Sir, - Your report (June 9th), `Second Nice Poll Seems Certain', demonstrates the illegitimacy of government-sponsored referenda. If the Yes side had won the day, the subject of a second referendum would not arise. Referenda should be a free demonstration of the will of the people and not a rubber stamp for government actions.
Being originally from Quebec, I have seen all too clearly where governments, if they lose a referendum, simply decide to have another one until they get the result they want, usually because the people are fed up with being asked. In some Canadian circles, they are referred to as "neverendums".
The Irish political elite should think long and hard at diminishing the voice of the people. - Yours, etc.,
Mark Dixon, Henny Road, Lamarsh, North Bures, Suffolk.