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Dear Editor,

Kathy Sheridan (7^th June) referring to Dail Eireann members posed the question “Some Politicians are leaving but it’s a wonder so many are staying”. My guess is that in the run in to the next Local Elections many City and County Councillors will be asking a variation of the same question. For Councillors the salary, for what has become for many a full time job, is approximately 25% of that of a TD. The office, secretarial, research and other supports miniscule in comparison. However the criticism and the abuse is the same. Despite the fact that, unlike the Dail and Seanad, Councils meet throughout the year. The charge of “not really working” is the same. The media of course could play a part by accurately and informedly reporting on Local Government matters. That is one change worth staying for.

Despite all that, I do hope to stay, contest and retain my seat on Dublin City Council at the next Local Elections. There is so much to be done and so much that can be done if only Local Government was allowed to do it. That and the great honour to represent your community and to build a better place is what drives me. As I have said so many times before “Local Government reform can transform Ireland”. That battle goes on. That is why I, for one, – hope to stay.

Yours sincerely,

Dermot Lacey

Dear Editor,

In replying to Emma de Souza’s assertion about Northern voices on RTÉ I would suggest that proportionately there are far more of that voice than there are of Dubliners voices in any analysis of a week-long study of RTÉ programmes. 

If we compare voices aired to TV Licences paid I suspect the numbers would be significantly worse in Northerner’s favour and not for Dublin.

Dermot Lacey

Dear Editor,

Jennifer O’Connell (Opinion 13th May) writes that “ A decent transport system shouldn’t be rocket science”. She is, of course, correct. However, when there are more than 60 statutory and policy bodies responsible for Traffic and Transport in Dublin alone it is not hard to see why progress is not made.  The fact that this is deliberately the case makes things worse.

Dublin needs an accountable Dublin Transport Authority. The roll into the next Local Elections could provide an opportunity to debate these matters. Sadly, I doubt that it will. Whose son or daughter will inherit the “family” seat is likely to occupy far more space.

Yours sincerely,

Dermot Lacey

Dear Editor,

Your front-page article “Council rejects plans for World War memorial garden” ( 9th May) obscures a really- important fact about modern Ireland.

First we read, “Plans for a Community garden …were unanimously approved by Councillors on the Area Committee”.…. This is followed by ”but have subsequently been rejected by Council Officials”.

Does no one see the lack of democracy in that subsequent sentence.

Next year there will be Local Elections. Next year I will stand for re-election. I will accept whatever the outcome is. 

It would, however, be wonderful if, in the run in to the elections, The Irish Times would highlight real Local Government issues and the acquisition by unelected Officials, National and Local, of the rights and duties of those of us whom the Public elect to make accountable decisions. It could help transform our Country.

Yours sincerely,

Dermot Lacey,