MICKEY RAFFERTY,
Madam, - The people of Ireland owe a debt to the late Jim Mitchell. His legacy as Lord Mayor of Dublin, as Minister and as a dedicated public representative would be enough to ensure the gratitude of many, but it was his role as chair of the Public Accounts Committee during its examination of the financial institutions' operation of DIRT that will immediately come to mind for most. The honesty and integrity that he and his committee colleagues brought to the process shed light on a public scandal and resulted in the belated payment of huge sums to the Exchequer for the benefit of all.
Let us all hope that the example of this good man will inspire his successors to continue to prove that it is possible for public representatives to make tangible changes to our society. May he rest in peace. - Yours, etc.,
MICKEY RAFFERTY,
President, Tax Officials'
Branch, IMPACT,
Nerneys Court,
Dublin 1.