The postbox and letters from TDs

Sir, – While I am generally appreciative to receive a letter that is not a bill, nothing gets me crosser than seeing a freepost envelope from the Dáil or Seanad lurking in the postbox. I have received no less than five of these from potential general election candidates in the last few weeks.

It is an overstep to use taxpayers’ money to send what amounts to campaign literature by candidates who have never once called to the door. Worse, it provides a significant and unfair advantage to those in Government over those outside Government trying to compete. Though, individually, the letters might seem trivial, if all candidates with the ability to do this sent letters to all constituents throughout the country, the outgoing would be significant, and could be used for far more effective purposes, particularly where essential services are lacking. It is a practice which needs to be stopped. – Yours, etc,

NIAMH BYRNE,

Fairview,