Letters: No-confidence vote proves our politicians in the Dáil love a bit of show-boating

Non-party TDs (erroneously called Independents) rub their hands with glee, knowing they will get another slice of pie to bring back to their constituencies in return for supporting the Government.

During the debate, backbenchers on both sides guffaw at every zinger their side lands.

Up in the peanut gallery, the media breathlessly total the political points to see which side scored more.

As if it matters.

Counting political points is like counting throw-ins in a soccer match.

Tomorrow, after all the hullabaloo has settled down, do you know how many extra gardaí will be out patrolling the streets? That’s right, none.

It is true what they say that watching what goes on in politics is like watching what goes into chicken nuggets.

You get turned off both.

Jason Fitzharris, Swords, Co Dublin

Sinn Féin is wasting Dáil time with childish efforts to oust the Justice Minister

We all know the shinners have mastered the art of speaking in forked-tongues, off the top of the head and out of their backsides – sometimes in our second language.

But it is only when (or if) they start to behave like responsible politicians will they have any hope of grabbing the tiller.

Wasting Dáil time on ridiculous votes of no confidence might pander to their leftie supporters, but is nothing more than a childish prank. As is their non-stop negativity.

There are times when the divil you know is the divil you trust.

David Ryan, Co Meath

Publicity-mad opposition must stop tabling motions every chance they get

Being a general election voter for 50 years (not affiliated to any party), I am sick and tired every few months of the opposition parties using every ­excuse to put down a no-confidence motion against a government minister. I don’t always agree with everything the Government does, but for God’s sake, be a constructive opposition.

Stop looking to get free publicity on TV and radio.

I will not vote for anybody in opposition. I have no confidence in any of them.

Pat Phelan, Address with Editor

Plenty of political parties have a murky past – one even ruined the country

If I may respond to Fionnán Sheahan’s piece laying out the murky past of a certain political party without naming it (‘The fake gardaí in the election van with the TD’s posters – and a striking incuriosity,’ Irish Independent, December 4).

I’m no big fan of the party in question, but another party that is currently in power did more damage to me and my family in 2008.

I might also add they did great harm to the entire country.

Maybe Mr Sheahan could do a piece on them, say, before the next election?

Tom Mitchell, Loughrea, Co Galway

Why are we paying trainee gardaí just €16,000 a year while TDs earn €107,000?

What planet do our politicians live on? Watching The Week in Politics yesterday, it was revealed that trainee gardaí are only paid €305 a week, or €15,860 a year. I would not like having to survive on that pittance.

Compare that to the €107,000 paid to a brand-new TD with no qualifications and no experience.

It was also revealed that €95m was given to horse and greyhound organisations.

Our politicians live in dreamland and are out of touch with reality.

Then you have our nurses and junior doctors, the treatment of whom is a national disgrace.

They deserve a huge increase in their wages to reflect the value to our society for their dedicated, unselfish work.

If the medical profession was to refuse to treat politicians or their families, it wouldn’t take long for their wages to be increased.

These well-trained professionals should not be treated as cheap labour, ever.

John Fair, Castlebar, Co Mayo

How using a simple turn of phrase only serves to reinforce discrimination

I was heartened to read a letter in the paper recently in which the female author had queried the use of “we” when some couples announce that they are expecting a baby.

The author pointed out that the man is never pregnant, and therefore does not experience the ailments that may arise during pregnancy.

I would like to point out another discrepancy that has been creeping into society regarding the phrase “person of colour” when referring to people that are not white.

This phrase does a disservice to people who have white skin, as it implies that white is not a colour.

It also continues to reinforce the negative perceptions that some sections of society may have towards people who are not white, as it does not mention their specific skin colour.

Eamonn O’Hara, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal

The slaughter of innocent citizens in Gaza will never, ever bring peace to Israel

I wholeheartedly concur with the thrust of your editorial that conditions in Gaza are deteriorating disastrously despite the international opprobrium at the colossal loss of life (‘Ceasefire over and Christmas cancelled as hell returns to Gaza,’ Irish Independent, December 2).

Nothing justifies the slaughtering, injuring, maiming of children and women. Nothing justifies the displacement of 80pc of 2.3 million people. Over 15,000 dead, 32,000 wounded, morgues are overflowing, hospitals, health workers, ambulances and patients are attacked. This is not self-defence. This is an unwinnable war. The total obliteration of Gaza will never ever bring security to Israel. Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London, United Kingdom

Their days are numbered, unless they get some time off for good behaviour

With calendars in vogue around this time of year, I am reminded of the two men who stole one.

They got what they deserved, six months each. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9