There should be no place for the dual mandate in Irish politics

I wish to refer to John Downing’s front page article on Senator John Minihan’s comments on dual mandate for Councillors and TDs (The Irish Examiner, August 5).

It is not often I find myself in agreement with PD policy, but I have been speaking out for some time against double jobbing.

One man, one job is my motto. There is no way a TD can give his full attention to both jobs. Most politicians have the béal bocht and the grasping hand for double expenses.

Minister Noel Dempsey lost the battle last year to have measures adopted when the shiny-haired Deputy Healy Rae threatened to withdraw from supporting the Government. This time round, Deputy Healy Rae is yesterday’s man and Minister Dempsey will have nothing to fear.

I commend Senator Minihan for his honesty and decency in his plan to withdraw from Cork City Council and as party chairman of the PDs. I sincerely trust the remaining of double jobbing TDs will follow suit. Well done Sir.

Máire Bean Uí Corcorain,

Lissadell,

Fountainstown,

Co Cork.