EDWARD D. RAFFERTY,
Sir, - As a Co Wexford resident concerned about road safety, and an uncommitted voter, I was less than encouraged with the integrity of our current Taoiseach after reading your report of May 3rd, "Bertie campaigns in fast lane at speeds of 95 m.p.h."
Happily, Mr Ahern's actions and cavalier comments regarding his entourage vehicles breaking the speed limit have, as far as I'm concerned, narrowed the field of candidates.
Now, at least, I know whom I'm not voting for! - Yours, etc.,
EDWARD D. RAFFERTY,
Grattan Terrace,
Grogan's Road,
Wexford.
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Sir, - The coverage of the general election by RTÉ television, particularly Prime Time, leaves much to be desired. In all the years I have been watching and participating in the electoral process, I have never witnessed such poor and inane reporting.
The stop-watch approach is making a mockery of debate, particularly as coverage seems restricted. There is no serious attempt to go after stories or to put hard questions to those seeking to form the government of this State for the next five years. Reports are generally poor and full of cynicism.
Having an issue-led debate once a week at prime time during a general election makes a mockery of the public broadcasting role of the station.
Is there a reason for this emasculation of its role? - Yours, etc.,
ODRAN REID,
Willow Park Grove,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 11.
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Sir, - I protest at the advertisement in your edition of 6th May from the Department of the Environment, making postal voting provision for those whose religion does not allow secular activities on May 17th (a Friday).
This concession, represented as "tolerance", is rather indulgence, appeasement or worse. Ireland is a secular state and there is no provision for Fridays off work (a secular activity).
Perhaps applicants for Irish citizenship should be obliged to sign an undertaking that they will not seek any special position for their culture or religion. - Yours, etc.,
AIDAN McARDLE,
Grattan Hill,
Cork.
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Sir, - Out walking today, I noticed Fianna Fáil are top of the poles. Perhaps that is some sort of sign! - Yours, etc.,
I. COSGROVE,
Shrewsbury Road,
Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4.
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Sir, - The Fianna Fáil slogan "Much Done, More to Do" says it all. The teachers have been done, the nurses have been done, the Gárdaí have been done. About the only public sector employees who have not been "done" by the present government are the TDs. - Yours, etc.,
JIM COGAN,
Cherrytree Drive,
Listowel,
Co Kerry.
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Sir, - Would I be right in thinking that never before has a candidate's election campaign been afforded so much media attention as that of Michael McDowell in Dublin South-East? I may well be proven wrong on May 17th, but I get the impression that this saturation coverage is only making people fed up with what is seen as blatant headline grabbing. Such annoyance may well be a deciding factor in the Attorney-General's electoral fate. - Yours, etc.,
BRYAN O'DRISCOLL,
Charlemont Street,
Dublin 2.
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Sir, - I am confused. How can a party be considered untrustworthy on its own, yet magically become trustworthy in coalition? Here's me thinking: once a chancer, always a chancer. . . - Yours, etc.,
EOIN RYAN,
Santry,
Dublin 9.
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Sir, - So the Taoiseach has inaugurated a giant boring machine - but enough about the election! - Yours, etc.,
IGGY McGOVERN,
Gledswood Avenue,
Clonskeagh,
Dublin 14.