Hit non-voters where it hurts to get government

One million, one hundred and forty seven thousand, five hundred and thirty four persons, entitled to vote in General Election 2016, lacked the incentive to go to their local polling station. That’s nearly one third of the electorate.

I suggest that the two major parties abandon fruitless talking and take a rest until Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday morning both parties, forgetting their differences, do their honourable duty, unite — elect a Taoiseach without further delay — form a two-party majority government and then immediately set themselves the task of enacting the necessary legislation to place a tax of at least €50 on those persons who fail to bother themselves with voting in either General or Local Elections — without a good reason. This tax, which can be legitimately avoided, can be deducted at source from income and Social Welfare payments.

The tax will easily cover more than the cost of the next General Election — providing the same lethargic non-voters remain at home watching TV. Otherwise there will be a better turnout and the State bears the cost.

On satisfactory completion of this sole act of legislation the Dail should be dissolved instantly and the date of the next General Election declared. Perhaps then the electorate will deliver a more decisive mandate so that a stable Government can be formed that will work for the greater good of all the people.

Patrick Murray

37 Mulvey Park

Dundrum

Dublin 14