Rural affairs minister is not the answer

The call for a minister for rural affairs would not fulfill the criteria, which is needed for such a problem.

The rural problems are so diverse and so complicated that it would require personnel drawn from these areas — and the best people to address the problems are staff of the areas themselves, with powers attached.

The individuals could be selected or elected within the respective provinces, and could be chosen from the chambers of commerce in the respective provinces.

This system would put local people in positions of control of their immediate areas, and who would be easily contactable to their local communities.

This would be more effective than a centralised minister who would become subject to a Dail agenda.

Liam O Conaire,

Bruff,

Co Limerick