Dear Sir, – In his extensive argument, Tom Lordan highlights the precedent of the 2019 local elections as the only relevant standard of comparison for Sinn Féin’s recent local electoral performance (“In the rush to dismiss Sinn Féin, two elementary facts have been overlooked”, Opinion & Analysis, 26th June). However, Lordan refrains from stating that during those 2019 elections, Sinn Féin saw a decline in half of its councillor seats. Paraphrasing Oscar Wilde, one might say, “The truth is never pure and almost never uncomplicated.” – Yours faithfully,
RAY BRADFIELD,
Dungarvan,
County Waterford.
Dear Sir, – Tom Lordan rightly asserts that a general election is discrete from a local election.
It’s notable that local elections are frequently viewed as an “unhindered opportunity” to reprimand the ruling government.
Sinn Féin’s distinct failure to capitalise on this prevalent sentiment suggests inept leadership, ill-defined policies, and an escalating independent faction that is undeniably disconcerting for them. – Yours sincerely,
JOHN COTTER,
Ferrybank,
Waterford.