The solution to Northern Ireland and the Republic’s problem regarding representation could be to make ‘every’ MLA and TD outside the cabinet or executive a junior minister of some kind with a budget and portfolio. At present, our TDs in the Republic get €107,376 every year plus expenses and all we get is a shouting match across the floor as they bark at each other. Same is true of MLAs, who get £55,000 for another shouting match. Of course in Northern Ireland, representatives have to do nothing at all other than collect their pay because they don’t show up for work. It is not productive in any way and of course counterproductive to have representatives representing and getting tidy sums for either not showing up for work, or showing up for work in the Republic’s case and shouting at each other while the cameras are on and then collecting their cheque. The answer is to give (all) TDs and MLAs a ministry and focus on a particular problem which faces people. Many ministers in the current set up have too many problems to solve, with multiple roles in several departments. We have one minister for the environment, transport, climate and communications in the Republic instead of having dedicated ministers to deal with these issues which could come from any party. In Northern Ireland a similar problem exists with ministers with overall responsibility for finance etc. Problem is: they become jacks of all trades and master of none. Today our society requires more specialised treatment and concentration to deal with problems which require ongoing attention. If we look at private life, it’s very much specialised, yet the government is a crude yolk in its structure and does not delegate duties or responsibility well. What do most MLAs or TDs do all day – line up to attack each other, rather than actually doing something about it and having the power within their remit to do it. This business of electing TDs or MLAs who are powerless to do anything other than make the decision-makers look incompetent in order to embarrass them into doing something about it must end.
It’s ridiculous and ineffective. Let us get the most out of our TDs and MLAs and give each one of them a job to do, rather than a job shouting down the other party. Let’s be brave enough to change our system of government and representation if it means getting a better result for the taxpayer instead of idle TDs and MLAs marking the days. It might even consign the Troubles to the past once and for all – nothing to lose.
MAURICE FITZGERALD
Shanbally, Co Cork
Time to get serious about our future
The latest IRA commemoration showed that the republican movement is determined to take pride in what it did during an unnecessary 30-year campaign, designed to bomb and murder people into accepting its political objectives.
I wonder what in particular it is proud of? The murder of Lord Justice Gibson and his wife? Teebane, La Mon and so many more? The Kingsmill massacre, which was one of the South Armagh brigade’s most infamous atrocities? Killing six innocent people and injuring 33 more, 50 years ago in Coleraine?
Or maybe it was the businesses that they wrecked and the thousands of young nationalists who needlessly went to prison.
And then also the question as to what they were trying to achieve, bearing in mind the genuine issues highlighted by the civil rights movement were largely addressed or being resolved by the late 1960s early ‘70s.
As one former republican prisoner stated to me, when I raised the point, “It was about driving the British into the sea.”
Political murders inspired by a deeply flawed politics that destroyed relationships with one million of their fellow Irish, who also happen to be British, rather than building them.
In the same way, loyalist paramilitaries are adorning our towns with flags and exhibiting pride, as they see it, in defending unionists through their murderous activities.
Are they really proud of the senseless slaughter they perpetuated at Sean Graham’s bookmakers, the activities of the Shankill Butchers, Greysteel and, again, so many more?
It’s time to get serious about our future. That includes facing up to our sick past and challenging those who want to chain us to it.
TREVOR RINGLAND
Bangor, Co Down
Political unionism trying to win back lost ground
Since long before I was born, republicans have marched every Easter Sunday to commemorate the men and women of 1916 who fought for Irish freedom. Many people died in the process. There has never been a complaint about these marches over the years. Until masked men started to appear wearing masks and paramilitary regalia.
Every Twelfth, Orange Order members and loyalists have marched to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne – another event where many people died. They emphasise every year that it is a Christian celebration. Why celebrate violent conflicts when lives were lost? Does this not go against their Christian ethos?
All wars and conflicts go against the laws of God. Thou shalt not kill is just what it says on the tin, no ifs or buts. I am an atheist by choice. I deplore violence of any kind. This controversy surrounding John Finucane is just political unionism trying to win back lost ground. Unionist politicians have, in the past, shared platforms with loyalist killers. A very significant number of people voted for Sinn Féin in the recent past. Many of them lost family members in the conflict. They have every right to commemorate their passing. Otherwise just ban all commemorative events, and turn to pacifism. I won’t hold my breath though.
JOHN AULD
Belfast BT17
