A Chara, - I have just watched the Michael McDowell interview on Prime Time. His new "explanation" (apology) re his intemperate remarks about the attacks on the PD headquarters is that they were "the type of people who go on anti-war protests". This was left unchallenged by Miriam O'Callaghan.
As one of the 100,000 who protested against the illegal and shameful invasion of Iraq, I find these remarks beneath contempt.
As Mr McDowell is now in conciliatory mood, I will await an apology.
- Mise le meas,
RÓISÍN DE LEASTAR, Carrigaline, Co Cork.
Madam, - Michael McDowell - not exactly light-heartedly - accuses another politician of "manipulating public opinion in a disgraceful way" while Pat Rabbitte - again with a straight face - accuses Mr McDowell of being overly fond of interviews.
Has Martin Cullen, by any chance, recently opened an irony bypass in Leinster House?
- Yours, etc,
MARTIN RYAN, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
Madam, - With Richard Bruton briefly labelled the Dr Joseph Goebbels of Irish politics, could Michael McDowell be said to be in charge of the Ministry of Truth?
- Yours, etc,
HUGO BRADY BROWN, Stratford-on-Slaney, Co Wicklow.
Madam, - Am I alone in wondering if the Minister for Justice should try de-caff?
- Yours, etc,
KEVIN McPARTLAN, Mallow, Co Cork.
Madam, - You report (page 1, March 22nd) that "a spokeswoman for the Taoiseach said the fact the minister had issued such a fulsome apology to Mr Bruton was helpful from Mr Ahern's point of view." I am at a loss as to how an offensively flattering or insincere apology would benefit the Taoiseach. Perhaps there is more afoot than meets the eye. In any event, I offer my fulsome praise to the spokeswoman for her choice of adjective.
- Is mise le meas,
NIALL IOGNÁID Mac FHLANNCHADHA, Albert Place East, Dublin 2.
Madam, - McDowell calls Bruton a Nazi. Is this a case of the pot calling the kettle blue?
- Yours etc,
FINBAR BOYLE, Dame Street, Dublin 2.
Madam, - When is Michael McDowell going to apologise to asylum-seekers who seek protection in this country and who are the most vulnerable people on this island? He reduced their experience of pain and grief to cock and bull stories.
- Yours, etc,
CATHERINE BUTLER, Royal Canal Park, Dublin.