HUGO BRADY BROWN,
Madam, - I wish the new Labour leader, Pat Rabitte, well in his aim of building a strong left-wing opposition in Ireland - for the first time since James Connolly's death.
However, Labour's opposition to the conservative FF/PD coalition would have a lot more credibility if it had not helped Mr Ahern out of growing difficulties twice in the past few weeks:
1. The "different kind of Yes" in the re-run of the Nice referendum.
2. The Dáil deal whereby the Taoiseach extricated himself from accountability to the people's representatives on one of only three days when the Dáil sits. This for the petty privilege of Labour (with 21 seats) being allowed to speak a few minutes before speakers from the new Technical Group (with 22 seats). - Yours, etc.,
Dr SEAN MARLOW, Willow Park Road, Dublin 11.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Madam, - Early preparations seem to be under way to recreate the appalling political configuration of 1992. In contriving with Fianna Fáil to relieve the Taoiseach of one of the last remaining occasions when he is subject to parliamentary accountability of any value, Labour has laid bare the empty nature of its pretensions to being an Opposition party and its battered political conscience has yet again been wrestled to the canvas.
Labour is evidently bracing itself again to swoon into the coalition arms of FF when next the Legion of the Soldiers of the Rearguard go scouting for a seemingly virtuous political bride when they are on the rebound from the PDs.
Since I hope earnestly for the removal of this dreadful Government, I must now also hope that the long grass flourishes a second time and that Labour gets its just reward in spades for its extraordinary assault on the ideal of political accountability. - Yours, etc.,
HUGO BRADY BROWN, Stratford on Slaney, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Madam, - There has been much reference in the media to the fact that the Labour Party's new leader has been elected by the membership at large. Many commentators are claiming this is the first time a party leader has been elected in this way in Ireland.
In fact, the Green Party claims that distinction, having elected Trevor Sargent as leader last year by a direct vote of all the party members. - Yours, etc.,
CIARÁN MAC LOCHLAINN, Dunmore, Co Galway.