A letter from the Irish Times on our post democratic state:
Madam, – Now that Fianna Fáil seems destined to be in power forever, it is time to amend the Constitution and our electoral laws to match political reality. Fianna Fáil, as the natural party of government, should be permanently allocated 80 Dáil seats without the need to contest an election. Each of the 43 constituencies would also be able to select an independent, non-party TD so that potholes can be filled, piers rebuilt and buses to the pub be provided on an equal basis throughout the State.
That would leave about 40 seats for the existing parties. They would be free to contest elections or not, as they wished, mix and match members and titles as they wished (eg Progressive Sinn Féin and Provisional Democrats), or allocate all the available seats to the recently rampant Mé Féin Go Deo Party. Fianna Fáil supporters would still be allowed to vote for other parties so as to have a greater say in determining their future partners in government. Fine Gael would probably opt out of the electoral process to concentrate full-time on commemorating Michael Collins every August 22nd.
When the first Dáil under the new system assembled, Brian Cowen would be unanimously declared Future Taoiseach For Life, Beverley Flynn appointed Minister For Offshore Exploration, and Bertie Ahern acclaimed as Sole Supreme Socialist Soldier of Destiny.
We might miss the auld democracy bit, but we need never have to see an election poster again. – Yours, etc,
JERRY CROWLEY, Belgrove Lawn, Dublin 20.
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