Sir, - In your strong and timely editorial of October 6th, "Mr Aherne squanders it", you rightly observe that the Taoiseach "has presided over the most extraordinary decision not to have the notorious Ansbacher accounts fully investigated". I am also concerned that with all the furore over the mishandling of affairs by the major players of the Coalition Government, the significant part played by the minor characters, who call themselves Independents, may be overlooked.
Three of these so-called independent TDs - Jackie Healy-Rae, Harry Blaney and Mildred Fox - have shamefully toed the Government party line in recent important cases. The following are a few sample items taken from a more comprehensive list - "How TDs Voted on Cover Up" in the current issue of Magill magazine:
In the new Tribunal's terms of reference, deputies Healy-Rae, Blaney and Fox voted against the inclusion of the litany of scandals or suspicions - Carysfort, Glen Ding Woods, land rezoning, the Telecom site, the export credit insurance scheme, the ESAT mobile phone licence, and the passports for investment scheme. The vote was 69 in favour and 77 against.
In the Ansbacher accounts overall investigation - not restricted to those concerning politicians - Healy-Rea, Blaney and Fox again voted against. Since Fine Gael abstained the vote was only 22 for and 77 against.
In the resolution on the inclusion of an examination of how Charles J Haughey disposed of the party leader's allowance - while he was leader of the opposition - the same triad voted against. The vote was 66 for and 76 against.
While it might be too much to expect our Government TDs to step out of line and do the right thing, especially when the issue has to do with investigating scandals and corruption involving their own party members, it is hardly unreasonable to expect Independent TDs to do so.
Let's hope the electorate has taken note of the shabby performance of this trepid trio who have dishonoured the name of Independents. Rosa rosa rosa est est! - Yours, etc. Myles Crowe,
Seapoint,
Co Dublin.