Sir, – The rise of reactionary politics (Brexit, Trump, Le Pen, etc) tends to be attributed largely to anti-immigrant sentiment. But the widespread disillusionment with establishment politicians and institutions is also the result of their blatant co-option by unaccountable global finance.
Deregulation has allowed the political, economic and ideological influence of the financial sector to dominate public life.
Creeping privatisation means that essential services such as transport, education, healthcare and housing are no longer under democratic control.
We need leaders who, instead of demonising easy targets like penniless and homeless refugees, have the courage to face down the true enemies of democracy and progress, the powerful and faceless global corporations and their financiers. – Yours, etc,
MAEVE HALPIN,
Dublin 6.