A Chara, - Has anyone considered that if Bertie Ahern actually were the kind of bribe-taking, wealth-seeking, corrupt politician that elements of the media and Opposition are making him out to be, there is no way he would have been in a position where a bunch of mates felt they had to throw him a few thousand pounds each to bail him out at a difficult period in his personal life?
With assets of no more than an unexceptional house in Drumcondra and a modest salary at the time, a large legal bill could have ruined him financially, and it is a testament to the strength of his personal friendships that these people insisted on helping him out.
Furthermore, none of these details were unearthed by any tribunal or newspaper investigation, as is the common perception, but were in fact given freely by the Taoiseach to the tribunal in the first place, safe in the knowledge that no impropriety would be found and that as such they would remain confidential, as is only right and proper for personal and private information.
Behind all the bluster and the attempted media lynching, the facts point to a plain-living, modest individual, fiercely loyal to his friends, who has nothing to hide and who has co-operated thoroughly with the tribunals - not the least attractive qualities in a politician. His opponents may yet regret making such a fuss. - Is mise,
DAVID CARROLL, Castle Gate, Dublin 2.
Madam, - I am separated - divorced since 1993. I have two children and earn the average industrial wage. In that time I never expected my family and friends to "chip in" for my legal bills.
The Taoiseach was the Minister for Finance at that time, earning a good salary, yet he was unable to manage his legal costs.
Please stop this nonsense, Taoiseach, and come clean. - Yours, etc,
BERNARD QUINN, Bride Street, Dublin 8.