Monarchs inherit, but senators are chosen

RESPONDING to my letter (January 14) in which I expressed the view that a State visit to the Republic by Queen Elizabeth would be inappropriate at this time, David Cotter (January 22) invites me to “look closer to home at our undemocratic Senate”, implying that it is as undemocratic as the British monarchy.

This is not so.

There are 60 members of the Seanad — 49 of whom are elected from five knowledge-based panels which include culture, agriculture, labour, industrial and commercial, administrative and the universities.

The Taoiseach nominates the remaining 11 members. However, following a review which included widespread consultation, a sub-committee issued a report on proposals which recommended major reform of the Seanad. This reform is said to be imminent.

On the other hand, British monarchs inherit their privilege at birth and pass it on to their successors. Male primogeniture is an integral element of succession to the throne. The second issue which needs to be addressed is the comparison Mr Cotter draws between the tribunals investigating planning matters and corruption, and the refusal of the British government to co-operate with the commission investigating the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974, the Miami Showband massacre of 1975 and many other atrocities.

The findings of the Barron report clearly state that its scope was limited by virtue of the refusal of the British government “to supply certain information and make original documents available”.

These are clearly not the actions of a friendly or neighbourly government. The fact that Britain is our largest market, which Mr Cotter refers to, does not mean we should not pursue justice for those who were killed and bereaved during the Troubles.

Tom Cooper

23 Delaford Lawn

Knocklyon

Dublin 16