Sir, - The corruption, graft and scandal affecting our political class and exposed by the various tribunals of inquiry result in part from the cosy relationships which evolved from the late 1970s onwards between big business and the political elite.
I am amazed that no analyst in our electronic media expressed concern over the recent Esat junket to the skies above Ireland to see the eclipse of the sun. Indeed, the event was trumpet-blown on RTE news and politicians on the junket were delighted to be seen and interviewed on TV. I fail to see how partaking of such freebies does not compromise the independence and integrity of a politician. But then, maybe such qualities are not expected any more of Irish politicians. - Yours, etc.,
Bernard Neary, Croaghpatrick Road, Navan Road, Dublin 7.