Sir, - There has been much talk in recent months about electoral reforms and changing our electoral system. The argument for change, put simply, is that an elected member cannot do the real work of the State - i.e. legislate - and look after his/her constituency, at the same time. Hence the argument for a two-tier system, with the legislators appointed by the list system while the constituency members are elected by voters.
It is no mere coincidence that this call for change is coming from the largest political parties, as it is they who have made the present system less than perfect. Under this system a TD is doing the "real" work of the State or is out of the country for long periods of time on State business. The fear is that his or her voter base is meanwhile being eroded. This does indeed happen, but almost inevitably by a member of their own party.
It is therefore the party system and not the electoral system that needs reform.
This country has made many foolish decisions over the years. Let's not make another one now and sacrifice part of our democracy to enable the two largest parties of the State to get out of the hole they have dug for themselves. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr Mary White, Green Party Spokesperson on the Environment, Killedmond, Borris, Co Carlow.