Leaving Fine Gael

Sir, – It is no surprise to hear that Peter Mathews has left Fine Gael (Breaking News, October 3rd). They always seemed like an odd fit.

Mr Mathews brought a fresh perspective to scores of issues, many of them in divergence with party policy.

His forthright views on the banking crisis were instructive, while his conscientious position on abortion legislation comes to mind.

At times, badgered by the career politicians in Fine Gael, he stood firmly by what he believed in, all the time remaining affable and calm in the political bear pit.

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Whispering in the corridors will have already begun – who will be next to leave? – Yours, etc,

JOHN BELLEW,

Paughanstown,

Dunleer,

Co Louth.