Sir, – Tom O'Higgins (March 17th) seems to have got his take on "reneging on election promises" somewhat mixed up. Ms Creighton did not resign from the Fine Gael Party but was booted out because she took the pre-election promise not to legislate for abortion seriously as she was elected on that basis. Of course it is understandable that Fine Gael is rather disappointed that she is now giving the electorate an opportunity to support a party which has promised to keep its pre-election promises.
I certainly wish her every success and applaud her for having the courage to offer us an alternative to the discredited parties now seeking to buy the next election. I hope those who criticised the loudest over the lack of an alternative will now “put their money where their mouths are” and vote for the new party.
I wholeheartedly agree with Frank Browne (March 17th) and his appreciation of Harry McGee's news analysis of the making of a political party ("Renua – the making of a political party", News Analysis, March 14th). It was the most informative and balanced report that I read and I appreciated being informed of the making of that party. It was also in stark contrast to the many articles criticising and sniping at Renua. Of course, it is always easier to criticise than to offer a balanced and factual report, as was evidenced in the many pieces taking the easy way out. Long may Mr McGee continue to give us the information based on the facts and in a balanced way. – Yours, etc,
MARY STEWART,
Ardeskin,
Donegal.
Sir, – Congratulations to the intrepid founders of Renua. It’s not easy being new. The slings and arrows were launched quickly.
A new political party promising reform must actually elucidate the reforms it intends to implement. Be brave! Spell it out. For example, its proposals for justice are simply bland. They don’t mean anything.
Get our attention. The time for pussyfooting is over. I think we deserve a new party which has no fear. Renua needs to do something to capture our imagination and create a vote-gathering machine. If it fails to do so, it will sink without trace.
Good luck, Renua. Be brave! – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA R MOYNIHAN,
Castaheany,
Co Dublin.