Madam, - Last Saturday's Editorial, "In Praise of Politicians", was a welcome opening salvo in what I hope will be a real debate on the role of the elected politician in Dáil Éireann. The responsibility of making law for the common good lies clearly with those TDs elected to represent their constituencies. Yet the pressure will be on each one fighting the next election to respond to individual demands rather than commit to legislate for the common good.
In the case of housing, providing shelter for those who cannot provide for themselves is responding to needs for the common good of our society. But the effect of this policy will come under extreme pressure when the value of property enters the debate and election commitments will be sought to oppose social housing schemes.
In managing our burgeoning traffic problems, decisions on public transport routes need to be made that may curb some individuals' right to a view or to a corner of land. Election candidates will come under extreme pressure to protect the status quo; but with increasing demand for road space some "Victoriana" may have to be sacrificed for the common good.
Changing patterns in our population caused by growth see different needs emerging for community facilities. Existing communities will campaign against any change in the status of our parklands, even if only for a skateboarding area or a clubhouse. How this generation plans to meet the community needs of the next generation are what should be concerning our candidates in an election campaign, while recognising that managing those changes is the work of local authorities.
Without a clear view of what TDs are elected to do we might continue to elect too many who feel free to promise everything in the interest of being returned to the parliament, leaving the concerned citizen once more aggrieved about day-to-day issues. We haven't yet created a climate in which canvassing TDs can tell electors that they are seeking election to a parliament that legislates for the nation. It is time for a long overdue debate on the role of our elected politicians. Perhaps, madam, The Irish Times will host this debate over the coming months. - Is mise,
Cllr NIAMH BHREATHNACH, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Madam, - Your Editorial on cynicism in the body politic struck a chord. As a grass-roots political activist I have seen plentiful first-hand evidence of the malaise you describe.
Almost without exception, members of political parties are shining examples of committed citizenship, involved in community activism, often serving on numerous committees as driving forces behind sports, charities, local groups - everything from the Tidy Towns Competition to the GAA to residents' associations.
All of these endeavours, like party membership, are undertaken for the sole reason of bettering the world around us, be it at local, national or global level.
And yet it is incredible the reaction one meets once one's political loyalties are expressed. If one was engaged in the same number of unpaid hours to better one's community under the auspices of a charity one would be heralded as an angel, yet a mention of party political affiliation appears to confer cloven feet.
Public representatives suffer similarly undeserved negativity. Although the pay is comparatively good, no one today enters politics for financial motive. Winning election involves motivating a large group of unpaid helpers, running sustained marketing and PR campaigns, dreaming up strategic and imaginative choices in the face of constant societal change and intense critique by media, lobby groups and the public.
Anyone who can successfully rise to this challenge could command equal or greater financial reward by devoting their talents and energy to business.
I have been a member of Fianna Fáil since university and remain very proud to be so. I joined the party for ideological reasons: its social-democratic and republican ethos appealed to my own sense of patriotism and passion for success.
There have been many recent calls for citizen involvement in the volunteer sector. The Taoiseach has spoken of the need for social capital to bind our new communities through exactly such activities. Political activists, by their very nature, will be at the forefront of such initiatives. Let us laud rather than lambaste their efforts. - Is mise,
JAMES LAWLESS, Sallins Pier, Sallins, Co Kildare.