Sir, – Ian Paisley jnr's emotional mea culpa to the House of Commons was the last option open to a public figure caught bang to rights ("Ian Paisley apologises over holidays funded by Sri Lanka", News, July 19th). He said: "I take my duties as a member of parliament seriously...which is why I have such remorse about the matter, as I believe it goes against the grain of who I am".
However, when the Daily Telegraph revealed Mr Paisley's family holidays to Sri Lanka, he first denied the story and threatened to sue the newspaper.
I suspect the DUP MP’s grovelling apology has more to do with his fear of a recall petition and byelection than any sudden insight into “human frailty” and belated understanding of “what real life is all about”. – Yours, etc,
JOE McCARTHY,
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Dublin 7.
Sir, – Ian Paisley jnr accepted hospitality, for himself and his family, from a foreign government accused of serious human rights violations. He should resign. – Yours, etc,
MARY J BYRNE,
Dublin 8.