A chara, - You published a letter from me (June 8th) challenging writers to these pages to set out their ideals for the future of Irish politics. In F.J. Fitzsimons's response (June 15th), the writer sets out how he/she believes Irish politics should be working. I agree with many of the sentiments put forward.
Yet F.J. Fitzsimons says he/she has not voted for over 10 years. What is the point of complaining without exercising that basic right? I accept that many in public life have not stood up to corruption as they should, but equally the writer is neglecting his duty to put across his point of view through the ballot box.
Across all political parties, there are many honest and hardworking people and, without doubt, there are also a few who are not. The selection of which of those individuals represents all of us in our national and local government structures is confined to those who vote, rather than to those who write letters to The Irish Times. In the interests of Irish political life, it is essential at the next election that those of us who care about our democracy ensure that those who seek to damage it are not elected. - Is mise,
Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail member, Gorey Town Commissioners, Gorey, Co Wexford.