Sir, – The Government press secretary, Feargal Purcell, accuses Fintan O'Toole of leaving out "some basic facts about the approach of Enda Kenny's Government to dealing with Ireland's financial crisis" (Letters, July 1st).
Here’s a novel suggestion that I’m sure Mr Purcell will have no problem with, what about a debate on the subject between the Taoiseach and Mr O’Toole in a public forum?
Mr Kenny might take such an opportunity to explain some of the serious omissions from Mr Purcell’s list, such as the continued growth in the levels of poverty and deprivation, not to mention the yawning social divide, the homelessness obscenity, the long and lengthening hospital waiting lists and the general growth of inequality that has resulted from the one sided policy approach of his Government.
A full and open debate on where we are and where we are going is urgently needed if the current damage being done to the fabric of our society is to be halted. – Yours, etc, JIM O’SULLIVAN Rathedmond, Sligo.
Sir, – The Government’s press secretary (Letters, July 1st), in detailing the patchwork of largesse over recent years, cloaks the fact that the €7 billion-plus borrowed annually provides a conveniently discreet pocket of cash that the Government can dip into, to dispense to a gullible electorate. – Yours, etc, D O’SHEA Grange, Cork.