Madam, - It is a matter of concern that the Government is about to effect a change in the voting method, which precludes the possibility of votes being openly recounted or audited.
The Taoiseach said on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sunday, March 7th, that he is "amused by the debate" and that these are only "counting machines".
The counting of votes is fundamental in a democracy. This often requires recounts and auditing. It is elementary that it should be possible, to openly count and to recheck as often as necessary to ensure the choices of the electorate are respected.
It beggars belief that the sophisticated Irish electorate is being told that the counting of votes in future will be at the sole discretion of "counting machines" which leave no track or trace. This is the issue: not that they are electronic, but that they leave no visible trace.
It is not amusing. It is vitally important that Irish electors are sufficiently respected to have their votes treated in a democratic manner, which means that when necessary, as heretofore, when there is a close, they can be visibly rechecked and audited. - Yours, etc.,
VERONICA CURRAN, Allendale Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork.