They promise reform, hoping it won’t happen

“As a democracy approaching its centenary, we should not be seduced by the piffling savings projected by bureaucratic bean-counters.” So writes Cllr Joe Conway (Letters, Aug 27) as an argument to retain the Seanad.

Of course he would; he is on the top tier of our wonderful democracy (the irrelevant council). I refer all those intending to vote to read the incisive analysis of Gerard Howlin (Opinion, Aug 28) on the irrelevance our elected elite.

He said: “The elected Oireachtas, and its committees, remains a powerless, under-resourced and largely unquestioning rubber stamp for government. The interrogation of budgetary decisions, and the policy assumptions underpinning them, by Oireachtas committees, is derisory and ineffective.

Nothing of substance has changed under this Government and no substantive change is in sight.” Every TD or senator will promise reform and hope it doesn’t happen while they enjoy mouth-watering benefits under tax legislation unique to them. Get in and hang together is the motto of those who celebrate in the subsidised Dáil bar, including the Left Alliance, who get an additional €40,000 tax-free.!!! Retiring senators can look forward to a well-financed adjustment over the following year, and preserved, accelerated pensions. All for what? Serving their constituents? Forgive me, but I thought that was the role of county councillors and TDs.

T Murphy

Ballincollig

Co Cork