Lives have been lost due to government neglect

MR CROSBIE’S letter (February 2) suggesting no deaths occurred here because of regime change doesn’t take account of the “hidden” factor.

I accept his credible comparison with regime changes abroad was made in good faith.

Hundreds of our fellow citizens have died unnecessarily over the many years Fianna Fáil were in power as a direct or indirect result of their policies.

Elderly suicide rates are exceptionally high and could be higher because you cannot blame a GP or coroner for sparing the family of a respected citizen more pain when an accidental death, one of misadventure, or cardiovascular reasons is given rather than suicide. Hidden are the numbers of deaths due to hypothermia. Hidden also are the reasons behind many deaths in care homes or hospital, due to quality and quantity shortages of staff at patient level. There are hundreds of people suffering from “self harm” who cannot be seen by professionals or counselled because of government policies.

Many were abused in the past during, mainly, Fianna Fáil’s watch. Self harm is an obvious condition to take seriously. Ignore it and more deaths occur.

The Fianna Fáil dynasty is coming to an end, and I suppose you can call it regime change. The families of those who die because of direct economic issues, badly staffed hospitals, schools and welfare centres get cold comfort from platitudes or compensation settlements.

I know, because my first wife took her own life, albeit in Britain many years ago. Hopefully we will see improvements now a regime change is taking place here, but I fear we will have to consolidate with a re-run election in January next year. Hold on to your hat.

John O’Sullivan

Passage West

Cork