A Mayo View: Ireland falling short of democratic values due to political elitism
Why are Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil elected representatives, in particular, blocking independent and other candidates from standing in the presidential election?
It is not a very democratic approach by parties that supposedly uphold the values of democracy.
The perception among the public at large is that it is unjust, arrogant and hypocritical.
It's no wonder there is such a high degree of distrust and apprehension towards political life in Ireland.
The fear, of course, is that somebody might win the election who they simply don't want.
But this attitude is serving to erode the prospects of their own candidates rather than the other way round.
The Irish presidential election should not be an elitist contest in which politicians decide who should or should not run.
It should be a fair and open affair in which anybody who is willing can put their name forward, like a general election, and let the electorate decide.
The same should apply to An Seanad elections, which is another exclusive political club funded by taxpayers.
Why have these situations been tolerated for so long? Is it any wonder that so many of our young people are disillusioned with the nation's political leaders and are looking elsewhere for answers.
This writer is pretty certain the forthcoming presidential election will reflect this dissatisfaction with the mainstream parties, especially Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
They may have the strongest candidates in the field, but the non-inclusive policy being adopted by their parties in opposing other candidates is not doing Jim Gavin or Heather Humphreys any good, although the former may not face the worse of the wrath because he is seen as more of a sporting figure rather than a political one.
Finally, it is imperative that the organisers of the Irish Open reconsider the decision to stage next year’s event at Doonbeg, Co. Clare, a course owned by erratic and controversial US President Donald Trump.
All that needs to be said is this: It is shameful, in the current climate of international affairs, for one of Ireland’s biggest sporting events to be associated with him in any way.
Enough said, for now.