Democracy the only guarantor of the least evil

WITH respect, I disagree with Leo Armstrong’s suggestion (Letters, January 12) to put democracy on hold for five years.

Do you remember the definition of a camel?

It is a horse designed by a committee! We should not hand over control of our destinies to a privileged committee drawn from the business, economic, academic and media worlds.

The record shows they lack ability. The business sector has run Ireland’s economy into the ground. Economists are great on generalities but vague on specifics. Academics tend to lack the most important skill of all — common sense.

Radical politics thrives in times of economic crises. Do we ever learn anything from history?

When the Nazi party manoeuvred itself into supremacy in Germany in 1932, the new leaders proceeded to consolidate their system of absolute power.

Elitist groups become reluctant to step aside when their term of office is supposed to end.

We should never underestimate the collective intelligence of the electorate.

When all the votes have been cast and counted, democracy is the only guarantor of the least evil.

People want to elect governments whom they think will do the least harm, but do it very well.

In the final analysis, we choose to be governed by the best of a bad lot.

Michael Mernagh

Carrigaline

Co Cork