Madam, – At last, political reform is on the agenda. It is understandable that your Editorial (February 8th) sounds a little weary when contemplating the Damascus-like conversion of Fianna Fáil to this subject. But let us take heart from the fact that all the main parties have broadly embraced the concept, with differing emphases. One thing can also help with the optimism – political reform costs nothing, and this country will have nothing to spend for the foreseeable future. But a new government could make a deeply significant impact on the future of Ireland if it began its term of office with a vigorous programme of reform, giving leadership in an area where there has been none for so long.
It would have the enthusiastic support of great numbers of people who have worked for many years to get this subject on the mainstream political agenda. Those people include members of the outgoing Oireachtas – many of whom served on different committees and gave advice (ignored) on how to reform the system. That advice included methods of redressing the shocking gender imbalance in Irish politics and showed how other countries overcame this – an important element in any reform of Dáil Éireann.
So I’m resolutely going to be an optimist and look forward to a new beginning when the election dust has settled. – Yours etc.
Madam, – Why at a time of political crisis are our political parties fielding a majority of male candidates when it is evident that if we are to respond to these terrible times real change in personnel and policy must be delivered?
In a political system where the decision-makers have been overwhelmingly male, senior civil servants mostly male and the opinionated press mainly misogynists; isn’t it time to challenge women who form half the population to vote for one of their own this time and turn the political tables for the better? For those of us being offered a choice of candidate, our number ones for women are crucial. For those where no party candidate is a woman, perhaps it is time to pass on the party choice this time.
Last summer, The Irish Times hosted a very lively debate on the need for gender quotas. Members of Parliament, third-level departments and the wider public addressed the need for interventionist actions. The debate was informed by the work of the Women’s Committee in the Seanad, led by Senator Ivana Bacik. The future looked interesting. Alas, where once worthies bemoaned the under-representation of women, now those same worthies are being patronised by the small number of candidates on our ballot papers.
Seismic change is needed, level- headedness demanded, wisdom sought; all talents and traits developed by women as they raise children and advise grandchildren. Short-term answers, quick solutions and appointments for cronies by the paternalistic elite finally brought this country to its knees.
Women, we and our children’s children deserve better; and we can do something about it on polling day. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – For years we have watched the erosion of the moral law in our country.
For example, the decisions of our politicians in Ireland have violated Gospel and Catholic principles on monogamous marriage, the family and sanctity of life from conception. Further attacks on the human embryo, marriage and family life appear imminent. And, to think that we taxpayers, contrary to conscience, fund these things.
Our legislature has enshrined laws on contraception, civil partnerships and cohabitation. More recently, chemical abortifacients are being dispensed in Ireland, ie, the morning after pill – not to mention the potential for State interference in parental rights in the forthcoming children’s rights referendum, if passed.
Under the circumstances, we feel morally obliged to let you know of our grave concern at the total disrespect for the Divine Law which supersedes all other law.
“If the Lord does not build the house, In vain do the labourers toil” Psalm 127. Perhaps those who may share our views might consider this letter before voting. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – May all involved keep your language as simple as possible. Like many of the electorate, I am not an economic expert and the constant jargon and “financial speak” that is endemic in news reports and political debate can be bewildering and confusing.
It appears that the country has been reduced to percentages and fiscal statistics that do not reflect the everyday lives of the many ordinary non-economists who make up the population of Ireland, and who live in a society, not an economic State. – Yours, etc,