Let’s have real talent and a list system

I WAS appalled that the Green party sought a cross-party consensus on the economic crisis to which they have contributed.

There is a lack of respect for the electorate when politicians believe the solution rests within Leinster House. With the exception of some Fine Gael TDs, the body politic, like the country, is headed for bankruptcy.

At the next election voters will be presented with candidates who have fattened on the largesse of the Celtic Tiger years. If the political parties are not going to ask the people to mandate talented young candidates, then it is time for a new beginning. We no longer want politicians who wait in car parks for envelopes to be given to them or go to Cheltenham on ‘fact-finding’ missions, or become columnists with Sunday newspapers.

All parties must address the Dáil talent deficit. One solution is the introduction of a list system featuring respected leaders in their fields — tourism, agriculture, business, education, etc.

The list system must not become another quango-type structure for Fianna Fáil to populate with its foot-soldiers. We need strategic thinkers with a world view — not the a parish pump types we’ve had for far too long.

If major changes aren’t made, then let the IMF rule.

Micheal Sexton

Slievereagh

Ballyvourney

Co Cork