Sir, - Since its foundation, the Progressive Democrat Party have been to the forefront in seeking to expose alleged wrongdoing by past Fianna Fail administrations, and have asked FF ministers and/or deputies to resign positions held until their names are cleared.
It would therefore be "breaking the mould" if, when the Dail returns after the Easter recess, Deputy O'Malley, as party whip, and the rest of the PD party do not table a motion for the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry into the revelations of a possible conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and other matters in relation to the 1970 Arms Trial.
It would also be inconsistent with past party policy if the PDs did not ask for members of that Cabinet involved in dealing with the issue at the time, and still in the Dail, to resign any offices/committee memberships etc., they currently hold until such time as any tribunal reports. Perhaps Deputy O'Malley would agree in advance to voluntarily step aside "in the national interest["]. - Yours etc.,
John Smith, Lohunda Downs, Clonsilla, Dublin 15.