Sir, - For what are we to forgive Mr Haughey? I am unaware of any wrongdoing which he admits, much less apologises for. Ever since the late 1960s, when he first aroused deep suspicion, we have been listening to a remarkable number of otherwise intelligent people doing their best to deny the probabilities. They consistently referred to his skilful management of the economy despite the blindingly obvious rocks on to which he sailed it from 1979-1981. They praised his ability to hold on to power while his grotesque anti-democratic activities were causing an unprecedented split in Fianna Fail. They turned a blind eye to such things as the bizarre Chrysler deal. And now the unbelievable: when evidence begins to mount they call for clemency long before the verdict has been announced. Only the other day a judge in an unrelated criminal case denounced the defendant's failure to say, "I'm guilty, I'm sorry." Even on one's death-bed it is expected that remorse precedes mercy.
Forgiveness is reserved for the contrite. - Yours, etc.,
James Kelly, Belgrove Lawn, Chapelizod, Dublin 20.