A chara, – When it is now needed more than ever, the greatest legacy of Brian Lenihan may be that he he has redefined the concept of citizenship to an unprecedented high standard. – Is mise,
Dr CAOIMHÍN MAC AOIDH,
Tulach a’ Choirce,
Béal Átha Seanaigh,
Co Thír Chonaill.
A chara, – Brian Lenihan: Fianna Fail’s latter-day George Colley, TD. Buíochas dó, agus dá clann. – Is mise,
JOHN COLGAN, PC,
Dublin Road,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare.
A chara, – On a miserable dark wet night last December I was collecting my 15-year-old son from a concert at the O2. One of his friends was also being collected by her father and we waited with her for a few minutes until he arrived. An old Mercedes pulled up with a tired driver. Despite the late hour, the accompanying dad had documents all over the dashboard and a mobile stuck to his ear. He greeted his daughter warmly as she jumped in the car.
It was the night before the highly difficult 2011 Budget. The survival of the Troika plan was in the balance and the Independents were playing hard ball. Under such circumstances, any minister for finance could surely have been forgiven for not finding family time to collect his teenage daughter from a concert, unless of course that person was Brian Lenihan. A leithéid ní bheidh arís ann. – Is mise,
PETER O’DWYER,
Pembroke Street Upper,
Dublin 2.
A chara, – I’d like to apply Thomas Carlyle’s quote to the recent passing of Brian Lenihan: “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak”. On top of his personal suffering, he tackled Ireland’s worst economic challenge as minister for finance with diligence and persistence, as well as enduring distressing and even sometimes disrespectful reports from media outlets. His courage and determination to fight and fight to the end is just inspirational. – Is mise,
AMY Ní CHRUALAÍOCH,
Killiney Avenue,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.
Madam, – As has been universally acknowledged, Brian Lenihan was a decent and honourable man who truly believed in the concept of politics as public service.
Unfortunately, his political legacy will be forever blighted by the disastrous 2008 blanket guarantee of bank liabilities.
How he must have rued the night he called on David McWilliams and allowed himself to be sold that poisoned pup.
May he rest in peace. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The past number of weeks have been great for our people with the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and President Obama, yet at the same time we have suffered heavily on the loss of great statesmen. I was not a fan of the banking, and some fiscal, policies of Brian Lenihan. However, one cannot deny that serving at the level he did during the greatest economic recession in the history of our Republic, while fighting an illness that would ultimately claim his life, deserves an immeasurable amount of credit.
FitzGerald, Costello and Lenihan had proven themselves in different ways.
In three weeks we have lost three giants. Men of integrity, hard work and commitment to public service. They will be missed. They will be learnt from. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I vividly recall Charles J Haughey being called to give evidence at the McCracken Tribunal. The occasion marked a seminal moment for me. I had not yet reached the voting age but since then my tolerance for Irish politics has been gradually eroded by further allegations of politicians misusing their positions.
Brian Lenihan’s political legacy will always be tainted by question marks over decisions he made as minister for finance. Arguably his will not be the same positive political legacy as that enjoyed by others. However, there are former politicians who undoubtedly have viewed their political achievements as grounds for creating a sense of entitlement for any financial gain enjoyed during their terms in office.
Brian Lenihan, while seriously ill, showed incredible commitment in carrying out his role in what was the most thankless job in world politics. There was no scope for personal gain but a serious sacrifice being made of himself and his family in executing his duties on behalf of the Irish people. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Of all the qualities that made Brian Lenihan a good man, perhaps our remaining politicians should best remember two things: one, that although verbally abused by others, he never responded in like manner, and two, when those around him took the easy way out through resignation or retirement, he stayed the course to do the best he could. As the writer Midori Koto said, “Honour isn’t about making the right choices, it’s about dealing with the consequences.” – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Brian Lenihan’s death really brings home how incredibly patriotic and self-sacrificing he was. The rights and wrongs of his financial crisis decisions are neither here nor there. When they talk about the great republicans of Irish history, he will deservedly be on the list. – Yours, etc,