GERARD ALLEN,
Sir, - In light of the Flood Tribunal report, the Government parties can no longer credibly stand over the payment of corporate donations to politicians, especially when these two parties receive the lion's share of the donations.
Ideally such donations should be banned. However, I would like to suggest a compromise solution. I suggest that an independent body be set up to receive "donations" from any organisation that wishes to "support" the political process. These funds would then be distributed among all the parties in a fair manner.
The public need to be convinced that our highly paid politicians are acting in their interest. This reassurance also needs to happen quickly to prevent a protest No vote on Nice. - Yours, etc.,
GERARD ALLEN,
Farranlea Park,
Model Farm Road,
Cork.
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Sir, - It appears that when Ray Burke drew a "line in the sand", Bertie stuck his head in it. - Yours, etc.,
THOMAS J. McNICHOLAS,
Cordarragh,
Kiltimagh,
Co Mayo.