Madam, - Your excellent coverage of the Cricket World Cup has caught the public interest. May I suggest that cricket may also help in forecasting the ins and outs of the coming general election?
The election will be contested with a distinctly green agenda and, as every cricketer knows, green conditions are ideal for swing bowling, with the odd googly thrown in for good measure. Fine Gael/Labour can expect in-swing but Fianna Fáil/PD may experience significant out-swing. It is certain that all parties will attempt outrageous use of spin, so the public must keep its eye on the ball, remain alert, and not get caught out or stumped.
FG and Labour are unlikely to score enough runs off their own bat, but if they can add extras from the Green Party that could give them a winning total.
FF/PD will struggle under the conditions. There is no Bertie bowl, so he can only bat, and the PD captain has a reputation for challenging the umpires. Mary Harney - his most reliable player - is currently in the Department of Poor Health and may find it difficult to get off her trolley in time to make a full contribution.
The great uncertainty is predicting the Sinn Féin performance. Captain Gerry Adams has confirmed that his team and supporters will abide by the laws of the game, will no longer use intimidatory or explosive tactics, and will not revert to the leg-break in their efforts to win. - Yours, etc,
GRAEME GUTHRIE, Cross, Westport, Co Mayo.