Letter to Irish Times: Seanad Election – University Seats
Letter to Irish Times: Seanad Election – University Seats
Sir, – Brendan Wright highlights what is clearly unfair and unjust about the Seanad Election.
Writing to your paper on January 30th 2002, I said “it is a highly undemocratic way of electing members of a chamber that has an important role in our democracy”. I also went on to say “the idea that only university graduates should have a vote, when many of the PAYE workers who paid their taxes to subsidise their education are excluded, seems quite indefensible”.
My views firmly remain the same 23 years on. Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY
Director of Services
Alice Leahy Trust
Dublin 8
Letter to The Irish Times: Social Media and Social Isolation
Sir, – Breda O’Brien (“Friendship beats Bluesky for your mental health”, Opinion & Analysis, November 30th) points to an important issue: “Today our troubles stem from the inability to sit and quietly chat in the same room with someone.”
This is increasingly noticeable in the delivery of public services and is sadly creeping into the NGO sector. Ticking the box, aided by the computer screen, while even avoiding eye contact, is further isolating fellow human beings, and those giving time in delivery of much-needed services can find themselves being accused of wasting valuable time.
Tony Gill, a street poet who rests in our plot in Glasnevin Cemetery, wrote:
“Today I spoke to no one,
And nobody spoke to me.
Am I dead?”
Yours, etc,
ALICE LEAHY,
Director of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust,
Dublin 8.