Madam, - A curious thought struck me while I was reflecting on the issue of electronic voting.
The Government appears determined to introduce the change despite growing concerns among the electorate. If the new system is introduced and does not enjoy widespread confidence, it is likely that a portion of the electorate will choose to abstain from voting, either as a protest or because they feel uncertain about the new system.
Now, whose supporters are more likely to abstain, I ask myself? Obviously those of the parties which have voiced the most concern, i.e. supporters of opposition parties.
And who is most likely to use the new system? Equally obvious: whose who trust the governing parties most, in other words supporters of Fianna Fáil and the PDs.
So the more doubt and uncertainty the new system engenders, the more likely it is to lead to a fall in voting for opposition parties. And the wider the divisions over its introduction, the more marked this effect is likely to be.
Ah, sure, it's probably just me and me paranoia. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN MAC GABHANN, Beal an Daingin, Conamara, Co na Gaillimhe.