Sir, - I read with incredulity F.J. Fitzsimons's attack on politicians (June 15th) coupled with his proud boast that he had not exercised his "right" to vote in 10 years or more.
Firstly, there is in my opinion no "right" to vote; rather, there is a duty on us, the citizens of this State, to exercise our vote whenever we are called on to do so. Millions of our fellow human beings live their lives without the wonderful privileges which Mr Fitzsimons and his ilk disdain. When so many cannot dream of being able to stand for public office, to join an elected parliament and be a voice for change, there is an obligation on those of us who can to be a part of a democracy, to have our government by, of and for the people. As a citizen, your correspondent could do any of this if he wished. Instead, like so many others in this smug, self-satisfied little country, he abandons the system entirely and then demands that we listen to his whines and complaints from the sidelines.
Secondly, having made this choice, this abandonment of democracy, he proceeds to belittle the efforts of those who have entered the political arena and those who have chosen to fulfil their democratic duties and vote. I concur with what he says on the topic of holidays, a short working week and so forth. If, however, he had bothered to be part of the democratic system, he might know that empty Dail chamber seats are most normally the result of the committee system - Dail members actively working, away from the chamber, getting things done. Mr Fitzsimons would no doubt prefer that they all sat in the chamber doing nothing.
Finally, I, like so many others, can protest about the politicians and their inflated pay packets, holidays and so forth if I choose. I can do this because am part of the process, one of the dwindling band who care enough about the country and its democracy to be sure to vote every time I am called on to do so. Like so many others who do this, I am heartily sick of people who whine and complain while doing nothing to remedy any problems. To vary an old dictum: if you are not part of the solution, then you are the problem. - Yours, etc.,
Aiden Desmond, Union Quay, Cork.