P Dey's letter (The Weekend Sun, August 10), that mentions my name three times, deserves a balanced reply – that is democracy at work.

Good representation depends on public understanding of the issues and the policies and integrity of those standing for office. We are now in a multicultural society, where even minority people, regardless of race or skin colour, can be elected on merit.

For example, the Mayor of Gisborne (which has a strong Maori population) is Chinese and a popular and skilled leader. The ex-Mayor of Dunedin was Indian. So both, from a minority race, got there totally on merit.

P Dey needs to reassess his thinking in this 21st century and realise that ability, policy, and good philosophy will engender public support, even if they come from a minority race.

Thank goodness for that. This is true democracy at work. The handing over of power on a silver platter has to stop, and good riddance. Long live democracy and common sense.

N Mayo, Katikati.