Madam, - Dr Noel Browne was sneered at by "cute" politicians for doing the right thing, even when it was politically unwise. Vincent Browne makes the same charge against Michael McDowell (Opinion, November 17th) because he spoke out in defence of our constitutional rights when a cuter politician would have kept his mouth shut.
It may seem odd to compare Noel Browne and Michael McDowell given their very different beliefs. But both men gave up lucrative professional careers in order to serve the public, and put their (different) principles above grubby considerations of political nous.
Whether you agree or disagree with either man, surely such patriotism deserves celebration (or at least respect) rather than scorn. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL McGRATH, Courthouse Chambers, Washington Street, Cork.