Madam, - John O'Donoghue (November 30th) takes issue with Pat Rabbitte's criticism of the Ceann Comhairle. He quotes with approval Michael O'Regan's comment in your edition of November 28th that "an analysis of the standing order invoked by Dr O'Hanlon would appear to justify his position if strictly interpreted" - but he dishonestly omits the last three words of that passage.
Further on in his article, Mr O'Regan writes: "Oppositions of the day, of all political colour, argue that this kind of response shows inflexibility, and they demand a change in standing orders. Governments of the day tend to forget what they said in opposition and insist that rules are rules". Needless to say, Mr O'Donoghue omits this section completely.
The Minister appears to get worked up from time to time and makes choleric attacks on the Labour Party. His last outburst in your columns was on July 21st (Opinion and Analysis). His previous attack was on July 24th last year. None of these essays by the Minister have any resemblance to civilised debate. They are, rather, the tantrums one would expect from a spoiled brat. The Minister should try to calm down. - Yours, etc,
TOM WILLIAMS, Goldenbridge Avenue, Dublin 8.