Sir, - With reference to Frank McDonald's article (May 3rd) regarding Fianna Fail's alleged opposition to the Phoenix Park Racecourse gambling casino. We are concerned that the statement by Mr Bertie Ahern T.D. leader of Fianna Fail that "there will be no casino as proposed for the Phoenix Park Racecourse site" is ambiguous in that "as proposed" seems to mean that another type of gambling casino would be acceptable to him and his party.
It has been suggested that a so called "black tie" gambling casino would be acceptable to some (James Bond style casino has actually been said by others). It must however, be pointed out that the experience abroad has been that, once a licence for one type of gambling casino has been granted, it opens the flood gates to all. Black, tie casinos eventually include slot machines, as is the experience - elsewhere.
Does Fianna Fail really support the introduction of gambling casinos? We have requested Fianna Fail to explain its position further, but as yet it has failed to do so.
It has been recognised world wide that gambling casinos are the best conduit yet invented for laundering the money from drug dealing and other organised crime. Fianna Fail has a policy of zero tolerance on crime - we therefore find its position on gambling casinos not credible. - Yours, etc.,
Ireland Against Casinos, Russell Park, Navan Road, Dublin 15.