Madam, - Although the full details may never be totally clear, the circumstances of the 1998 report compiled by the three obstetricians who reported on Dr Michael Neary's conduct are now clearer (The Irish Times, February 17th).
The three were asked to conduct a relatively brief, informal review of some cases. With hindsight we now know they made an error of judgment with their report but, crucially, it must be recognised they stopped Dr Neary performing the procedures in question.
A doctor's reputation is one of the pillars of his practice, and these three men have been vilified publicly, at length, for their error.
Being involved in teaching, and having worked with all three of these doctors, I can say that generations of medical students and doctors have benefited hugely by being taught to the highest international standards by these three highly committed people. Long may this continue.
It is time to step back and gain some perspective on this tragic affair. - Yours, etc,
RONAN GLEESON,
Consultant/Senior Lecturer,
Rotunda Hospital/TCD,
Dublin 1.