SEAN McKIERNAN Jnr,
Sir, - The interim report of the Flood tribunal reflects a culture of greed, corruption and special laws for the rich within Fianna Fáil circles in Co Dublin during the 1980s and 1990s.
We now know in writing the extent to which Mr Ray Burke was in thrall to a cabal of private donors while performing his public duties as a member of Dublin County Council and as a TD. But these are allegations that the dogs on the street knew about for a long time. Everyone had their suspicions and their doubts, no more so than politicians of all parties in Co Dublin.
One must now ask: What sort of moral compass guides the Taoiseach? There are very serious questions to be asked about his integrity, judgment and motivation in appointing Mr Burke to the very senior and sensitive Cabinet position of Foreign Minister at a time when he knew that there were serious allegations against him.
Despite all the furrowed brows of concern, the wringing of hands and the platitudes, this basic question remains unanswered, and Ireland is all the poorer for it.
The Government and the very political system here in Ireland badly needs a moral renewal and a fresh start; otherwise politics will be destroyed by cynicism. Already too many idealistic young people are alienated. Whether we like it or not, politics is a part of our everyday lives; it can be a force for either good or ill. But sadly many people have lost faith in politics. There is a total lack of confidence in the political system and this has to change. -
SEAN McKIERNAN Jnr,
Yours etc.,
Virginia Road,
Bailieborough,
Co Cavan.
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Sir, - Either Mr Ahern did know that Mr Burke had questions to answer, or he should have known. He was complicit, or complacent, or incompetent. - Yours, etc.,
MUIRIS DE BHULBH,
Louisa Valley,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare.
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Sir, - As a 30 year -old member of a discerning electorate, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Mr Ray Burke, and indeed his most enabling parliamentary party, for all of his efforts on behalf of the people of Ireland, most notably my own father who toiled in Guinness's brewery from the age of 15, and my mother who worked tirelessly in the home, rearing four children.
I would suggest to Mr Burke that he should procure, through the regular channels of course, a copy of James Joyce's A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man, and muse and reflect upon the eighth sentence housed therein: "When you wet the bed, first it is warm then it gets cold." - Yours, etc.,
PETER G. MILLER,
Woodfarm Avenue,
Dublin 20.