A Chara, - I was appalled to read (The Irish Times, October 6th) that the Government is pushing ahead to join PfP with out referring to the people on this important issue. I feel that Mr Ahern has let the people of this nation down; his move will not endear himself to future generations when the serious consequences of joining this NATO-linked body come to fruition.
I became a member of Fianna Fail in 1948 as it was then a party that could be described as a national movement, but over the years its old principles have been slowly whittled away. Frank Aitken, if alive, would not be pleased, to put it mildly.
The Government, by not holding a referendum and allowing the people to express their views, as promised, is showing contempt for the electorate. To add insult to injury, I note that we are in the process of accrediting our ambassador in Brussels to NATO.
Is this the last straw? - Is mise,
Paddy Lalor, Culmore Park, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.