TONY RODGERS,
Sir, - I am in general agreement with the sentiments expressed by Rev Stephen Neill (January 21st). However, I believe the issue is not what mode of transport the Tánaiste employed, or its cost to the State and taxpayer.
I would certainly not expect Mary Harney or any of our other senior politicians to "give so generously of their time on our behalf", as Rev Neill puts it, to open off-licences in Manorhamilton or anywhere else. This is the real issue.
Leave that sort of thing to the "celebrities". - Yours, etc.,
TONY RODGERS, Kilbane, Castletroy, Limerick.
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Sir, - The problem with Mary Harney's visit to Manorhamilton is not so much as how she got there but what she was doing there. What was the Tánaiste doing opening an off-licence when a significant percentage of the cases clogging up A&E department in the hospitals and in the health services generally are young abusers of alcohol. Why is she promoting alcohol when it presents such problems for the State, the community and her Government? - Yours, etc.,
PADDY HATHAWAY, Dublin 4.
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Sir, - I am pleased that the Tánaiste has apologised for the misuse of the Government aircraft. I will be more pleased when she pays the costs involved. - Yours, etc.,
C. CHEATLE, Westtown, Tramore, Co Waterford.