JOE DENNEHY,
Sir, - The PDs have always articulated as core values a belief in the superiority of free markets and the necessity to reduce government involvement, particularly in the economic sphere.
Tom Parlon has had distinguished success on behalf of the IFA at maximising EU and government intervention in the markets for agricultural produce, to the extent that at least 55 per cent of agricultural income is directly attributable to subsidies of various kinds. Indeed, Prof Alan Matthews of TCD has argued recently that the percentage of farm income accounted for by supports may be even higher.
Are the PDs confused, or is Tom Parlon confused? - Yours, etc.,
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JOE DENNEHY,
Bartra Rock,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.