Sir, – JD Mangan (January 8th) describes the sneering attitude of many critics of Charles J Haughey's "big house" lifestyle, which he deems to be "a classic example of the begrudging attitude that the Irish do so well". Perhaps if Mr Haughey had lived from the money he earned, there would be more focus solely on his "significant political achievements". However, as the Irish taxpayer was the one paying for the handmade shirt on his back, I think we are entitled to begrudge a lifestyle we funded, but did not enjoy. – Yours, etc,
DONAGH McTIERNAN,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath.
Sir, – Matthew Mac Gabhann (January 12th) lays the blame for Charles Haughey's political survival on AIB's failure to pursue his debt. That scenario was not really possible in the frantic maelstrom of events in those days. Anyway, all the bould Taoiseach would have done would have been to lean on his other sources of revenue to make up the shortfall. There were other deep pockets available to come up with the odd million. – Yours, etc,
A JONES,
Mullagh,
Co Cavan.