Many, but not all, were introduced to public life or boosted in politics by Garret FitzGerald and Jack Lynch.
Among those who would have been my near contemporaries were Gemma (one year older than me to the day), Margaret MacCurtain, Monica Barnes, Nuala Fennell, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Catherine McGuinness, Mary Harney and Síle de Valera.
I believe these groundbreaking women should be commemorated by naming national schools in their home areas after them as an example to today’s diverse scholars.
Publicly-funded schools were originally to be named for the townlands they were in, not after popes and pious figures not known for contributing to the well-being of Ireland.
John F Colgan, Leixlip, Co Kildare
Ethical issues around Sinn Féin haven’t gone away
Sir — The people have spoken. A coalition government-in-waiting awaits. Opposition parties and individuals ponder if they should participate in power, balancing potential costs and gains.
More fundamental than this is an ethical issue. It is a question that confronts all parties, with the exception of Sinn Féin, but particularly those on the left. The question is this: is it ethical to collaborate with Sinn Féin, as some are arguing, with the aim of producing a strong, left-wing opposition in the next Dáil?
The answer should be a resounding No. This is not because one in five Sinn Féin voters at the 2020 general elections have deserted the party. Sinn Féin may be in decline, but that is not the point.
The problem is the nature of the party itself and its history. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are mealy-mouthed about this, merely citing policy differences.
But there is a deeper problem. A former tánaiste and minister for justice, Michael McDowell, put it succinctly: “Sinn Féin is not a conventional political party; it is a tightly controlled revolutionary movement still in the grip of a very small group, many of whom were active in the IRA’s campaign of violence.”
The indications are that on big issues the “Belfast back-room boys” still call the shots. The defection of a string of Sinn Féin TDs over the years is hardly reassuring. Some cited the coercive control exercised by unelected party apparatchiks.
There are also unanswered questions about the sources of funds for Sinn Féin’s impressive countrywide infrastructure of offices, as well as its large complement of full-time staff.
Mary Lou McDonald claims it is unfair to bring up past associations with the IRA. Many of the voters were no more than children, she argues, when the IRA decided to end its “armed struggle”. In other words, they had no experience of a time she would like to gloss over. If only the legacy of hurt could be disposed of with the balm of some carefully chosen words.
The minor political parties need to confront these ethical and democratic concerns. With little realistic prospect of power, the second-best option for Sinn Féin is to dominate a left alliance from the opposition benches.
In any negotiations, Labour, the Social Democrats and the Green Party have a responsibility to Irish democracy to insist Sinn Féin repudiates its “armed struggle” and shows more transparency in its decision-making processes. Neither outcome is likely in the short to medium term, but that is a problem for Sinn Féin, not for others.
During Election 2024, Sinn Féin was much to the fore in urging change. Ironically, it failed to grasp, as support collapsed, that one of the urgent changes needed was reforming the party itself.
Liam Kennedy, Emeritus Professor of History, Queen’s University Belfast
Fire and brimstone missing in campaigns
Sir — I grew up in the hungry 1950s, a time when unemployment was the norm and emigration was the only way of getting up in the world.
Election time was a far cry from what we have today. There was no TV or any form of electronic advertising.
Canvassing was kept to the minimum. After mass on a Sunday was the usual way of being seen. Standing on a soapbox or the back of a lorry was how candidates could get their message across. There was no need to promise money, as the country was broke.
Instead, criticising the opposition got the job done, to a cheer from the hapless mass-goers.
Ireland is now a very wealthy country. I listened to some of the TV debates, but found them boring. There was no fire and brimstone like the old days. Lots of promises were made, with no thought of the cost.
If Donald Trump puts into action some of his tax promises, the hungry 1950s might return, with devastating results for rich little Ireland.
Mike Kelleher, Tramore, Co Waterford
Dáil newcomers are a welcome change
Sir — The case was made by the opposition parties of the need for the electorate to “Vote for change”.
Surely the election of over 60 first-timers — representing the introduction of fresh ideas and new energy to all parties — is an answer to that call.
Mick O’Brien, Springmount, Kilkenny
Micheál Martin has been harshly criticised. Photo: Getty
Micheál Martin in touch with working-class roots
Sir — David Quinn’s article on why working-class voters stayed at home made some interesting points (‘Fianna Fáil in need of a Bertie Ahern figure to win back the working class’, December 1). He is correct in stating that the working-class vote abandoned Fianna Fáil in 2011, but so did many middle-class voters — the party lost 57 seats.
However, I found incredible his comment that Micheál Martin is the last man who would try to win back that vote because “he would consider it beneath him, and probably somehow unethical as well”.
I don’t believe there is any party leader in the Dáil who would take a view that it would be beneath them to try to attract a particular cohort of voters, but it is equally hard to see how he can put forward such a sweeping, insensitive statement when Mr Martin comes from a working-class background himself and, therefore, is in an excellent position to understand the concerns of such voters.
David Gordon, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Electorate ignored as coalition forms
Sir — To the victor the spoils, but you have to feel some sympathy for Sinn Féin, who again will be left consigned to the sidelines, warming the opposition benches. In reality, it’s Sinn Féin’s sizeable electorate who will be left empty with no voice.
They have been shooed away facing more of the same old, unless the new government looks beyond short-termism.
Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
Voters went for tried-and-tested formula
Sir — Christmas has come early for the great survivor Micheál Martin. Once the dust has settled, he and Simon Harris will work well together, with their blend of experience and energy.
Harris had a challenging election campaign, and despite Sinn Féin’s persistent and shameless efforts to smear him, he increased Fine Gael’s first preference votes and brought in 22 new candidates.
There is no doubt many headwinds and choppy waters lie ahead, but the majority of the electorate have decided to stick with the tried and tested.
The public now deserve a much-improved performance from the new government. People want to feel safe walking the streets and don’t want to live in fear of visiting the hospital.
Sean M Reaney, Castletroy, Co Limerick
Ireland needs strong left more than ever
Sir — The people spoke, and it is annoying to observe that some in our political community continue to show signs that they are hard of hearing.
The voting public gave both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael the opportunity to continue in government. The fact that the majority didn’t vote for these parties combined is a strong indication that any mating dance, parity of esteem prognostications and bargaining as to the term and rotation of the office of taoiseach will impress few voters.
Finally, could Sinn Féin please quit play-acting, get ready for another spell in opposition and resolve to build a viable left opposition during that time?
Michael Gannon, St Thomas’ Square, Kilkenny
Fighting talk has no place in democracy
Sir — “What we do know is we will be up and at it. Whoever the incoming taoiseach is, just be aware we are coming after you.”
Those are the words of the incoming leader of the opposition in the next Dáil. They sound more like words from a conflict belonging to a different time and place.
In Dáil Éireann, the Government and opposition have a duty to refrain from practices that might erode democratic debate and could eventually undermine the trust of citizens in politicians and parties.
I think most citizens would agree that the standard of debate in the last Dáil, in particular from the main opposition party, did nothing to build trust in politicians and parties.
However, two party leaders in their contributions gave us reasons to be hopeful. Labour’s Ivana Bacik and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns were articulate, intelligent, measured and persuasive in debates.
It was great to see the electorate recognised their approach and rewarded it with votes and seats. Maybe this is an example of the change the electorate need and voted for.
John Leech, Kill, Co Kildare
Boring election was hard to engage with
Sir — I can’t remember a more boring election. I struggle to see the difference between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. They failed to distinguish themselves from each other in the campaign.
John O’Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
We can all be proud of PR voting system
Sir — We should be proud of the democratic process in Ireland. With our proportional representation system, all voices and shades of opinion have a chance of election.
Well done to all who put themselves forward.
Frank Browne, Templeogue, Dublin 16
Vodafone Christmas ad gets it badly wrong
Sir — Vodafone’s Christmas Day swimming advertisement, which features prominently on television and social media, delivers the wrong message.
An elderly gent collects his friend for the Christmas Day swim at the Forty Foot, Dublin. As the driver reverses on to the busy road, the passenger distracts him with his mobile phone, on a video call to the passenger’s granddaughter abroad.
The Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) appeal to stay off mobile phones while driving counts for nothing with these giddy seniors. At the swim location, the passenger puts the mobile phone around his neck in a transparent waterproof pouch.
He plunges into the sea and, on surfacing, resumes the video call with his granddaughter.
This bit of showboating requires him to hold the phone in his hand in rough waters while chatting. It leaves him vulnerable to cold shock, hypothermia or even being swept out to sea.
As a seasoned Christmas Day and all-year-round sea swimmer myself, I love the atmosphere and the anticipation at the festive dip. Mobile phones are in abundance, recording the build-up and the swim itself. Nevertheless, swimmers need, at all times, to be respectful of and careful in the sea.
It’s imperative to abide by the safety guidelines of Water Safety Ireland to get in, get out and warm up quickly. Leave the video recording to a person on land.
Vodafone’s “joy of connection” advert, however festive, should aim to comply with the campaigns for safety on the road and in the sea.
Billy Ryle, Spa, Tralee, Co Kerry
Show no mercy to TV licence defaulters
Sir — Sixty people a day are being prosecuted for non-payment of the TV licence fee. That is 22,000 people a year being brought before the district court. Others pay up only when threatened with court action.
It is estimated that one in five households are not paying the TV licence.
An Post admits having an antiquated register, meaning it may be very difficult or impossible to track down who is responsible for the licence fee in default.
Many agree the fee should be abolished and RTÉ should be paid through the Exchequer, with full accountability. But as long as policy and law maintain the fee, RTÉ should insist An Post update its register and pursue all those who don’t pay to prevent further cries by the broadcaster about funding.
Maurice Fitzgerald, Shanbally, Co Cork
X is the most diverse platform available
Sir — Tom McElligott (Letters, December 1) endorses your columnist Declan Lynch’s view that Bluesky trumps X.
Effectively, they both want an echo chamber of a social medium. Yet these are the same sort of people who claim to be all for diversity. As social media goes, X is the most diverse platform currently available.
Brendan Corrigan, Granada, Colombia
Karma strikes, now I have made the botún
Sir — Some weeks ago, I wrote a letter in mock outrage following a botún you made by jumbling up some sports trivia that I had included in a letter you published. You responded with humour and generosity. Well, karma strikes.
Last week, in response to Michael Gleeson’s winning letter of November 24, I made the mistake of writing that he had won All-Irelands with Kerry in 1970 and 1971. Of course, Michael won his Celtic Crosses in 1969 and 1970. My apologies to you both: I have ordered the sackcloth and ashes online.
In mitigation, Kerry has won quite a few titles and it’s easy to lose track. That said, I should have (to use the modern American expression) fact-checked. So, again, mea culpa.
Meanwhile, to mirror the generosity you extended to me, and in a gesture of humility and atonement, I promise to make a donation on behalf of you both to a local charity.
Jim O’Connell, Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7
Ah, Jim, my hair still wafts in Kerry wind
Sir — I was delighted to read Jim O’Connell’s letter (December 1) regarding the deduction of two days’ pay from my salary in September 1970. I wish to assure him I was not complaining at that miserly deed by the Department of Education.
Rather, I was finding at least some little common ground with the truly great Jim McKeever. I was grateful, however, that my service was not considered broken, as a petty action had long-term pension implications for Jim.
I am happy to inform Mr O’Connell that The Beatles were neither musically nor tonsorially part of my inspiration. I was more a Bob Dylan, Donovan and Leonard Cohen type. I am very pleased to say that, although the colour has changed considerably, my wispy locks still blow in the Kerry wind.
Michael Gleeson, Killarney, Co Kerry
Eamonn Sweeney captured Roy Keane perfectly
Sir — Just a few words in praise of Eamonn Sweeney’s article on Roy Keane last Sunday. It described him to perfection. Thoughtful and perceptive, it explained him to a T.
Well done, Eamonn.
Frank Clarke, Passage West, Cork