Madam, - Perhaps some good will come from the revelations about the Killeen letters. Quite apart from their stupidity, they might prompt us to think about how the Oireachtas works. Peter Molloy estimates (January 24th) that over the past 14 years 50 million needless pieces of post have been generated. Is it not time for parties to be elected on a list system?
Having national politicians who gained power on the basis of their policies and not their clientelism would be a major stride forward for our democracy. And, to take the idea one step further, would not an empowered local government whose members also sit in the Seanad ensure that national policies and legislation are vetted by people with their feet on the ground? - Yours etc.
BRENDAN HENNESSY, Rathcoursey, Midleton, Co Cork.