Political dynasties breed cynicism

HOLDING on to the family seat seems to be a long-held value in Irish politics. But a report (‘Sheehan family member to contest next election’, Irish Examiner, April 25) has to beat all.

PJ Sheehan lost his seat in the last general election after 21 years in Dáil Éireann.

In response to speculation in last Wednesday’s Irish Examiner regarding who the next Fine Gael candidate in Cork South West would be, the Sheehan family quickly issued a statement confirming that “one of the family would contest the election” to regain the family seat, according to Friday’s Irish Examiner. The implication being that it doesn’t matter who or which one of the family runs, provided the seat is kept in the family.

Is it any wonder that the Irish people are so cynical about politics? It is difficult enough to persuade young people with no family political background to become involved in party politics.

When they see a place on a party general election ticket being claimed four years in advance in order to extend a family dynasty, one has to wonder where we are going.

Being a son or daughter of a politician should not confer any advantage or disadvantage on a prospective candidate. Every candidate should be judged on what they themselves have achieved in the community.

The Irish electorate have been treated like fools for long enough.

Michael McGrath,

Passage West Town Councillor,

162, Dun Eoin,

Carrigaline,

Co Cork.