Cosmetic change is not enough

DURING last week I watched the Vincent Browne show.

On Wednesday, he had four guests who were candidates running for public office for the first time. One Labour, one Fine Gael, one People before Profit, and one Independent.

I naturally was looking for, and hoping for, new, creative ideas from these untainted candidates. Two issues were raised from among the four candidates — tax the rich and renegotiate the IMF deal. And that was it.

For the rest of the programme each talked about why people should vote for “me” — and that reason was “vote for me, for change.”

Any voter who votes for a candidate who uses that word and does not explain exactly what issues he/she is running on deserves an inefficient government.

Please, candidates and parties, be specific in what you stand for and do not play on our fears and emotions by suggesting that “change” is enough of a reason to earn my vote.

Vincent J Lavery

Dalkey

Co Dublin