Madam, - Proinsias De Rossa's remarks regarding Charlie McCreevy - "incentivising the poor by giving them a kick up the arse" - are rather rich, to say the least of it, given his track record.
During his ministership in the 1994-1997 Rainbow Coalition, he gave only a paltry amount to those on social welfare, certainly far less than Mr McCreevy doled out during his tenure.
At least McCreevy and his comrades have the virtue of possessing a principle carrying it through, honestly and unashamedly, even if one fundamentally disagrees with this principle. Contrast this to the wolves in sheep's clothing, such as Mr De Rossa and his ilk, who risibly title themselves "Labour".
They "give the poor a kick in the arse", as he so eloquently puts it, while dishonestly claiming to be acting in their interest. - Yours, etc.,
DAVID MARLBOROUGH, Kenilworth Park, Dublin 6w.
Madam, - The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue TD, wasted no time in defending the track record of his Cabinet colleague in Finance (July 24th).
Apparently, recent comments from Prionsias De Rossa convinced him that "the cynicism of the Labour Party knows no bounds".
On reflection, Mr O'Donoghue might like to share with us his views on the recent performances of Padraig Flynn and Beverly Flynn at the Mahon Tribunal, and indeed on evidence relating to the conduct while in office of Charles Haughey, Liam Lawlor and Ray Burke.
Some would argue that the arrogance and cynicism of the Fianna Fáil Party knows no bounds. Many more will remember at the next general election. - Yours, etc.,
PATRICK O' SULLIVAN, Westbourne Lodge, Templeogue, Dublin 16.