PADRAIG McGINN,
Sir, - It is unfortunate that, because of the Tánaiste's use of the State's aeroplane, the O'Hagan family of Manorhamilton has been the target of much ill-informed publicity on radio, on television and in the newspapers recently.
On RTE's Questions and Answers this week, Ms Terry Prone suggested that Ms Harney's "Act of Contrition" was not enough and that perhaps her friend, Fergus O'Hagan, should make financial restitution to the State coffers on her behalf. This introduces a new concept in the area of political morality; if it could be followed through in the case of all politicians over the past 20 years, it would be very interesting.
Since that is not likely, perhaps it should be made clear that Mr O'Hagan acted entirely honourably in bringing an important politician to a neglected corner of our State, giving a wide range of local people and institutions an opportunity to meet the Tánaiste. There is a saying that bad news spreads fast and good news is not news. As chairperson of the Leitrim branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, I would like to put on record the generosity of the O'Hagan family and of Fergus O'Hagan to our cause. Despite the recent loss of their brother, the family donated a new car, specially adapted for wheelchair passengers, to our branch in November, 2001. They did this quietly, without any publicity. We appreciate their generous gesture and would appreciate it, if through your letters page, the good news is heard for once. - Yours, etc.,
PADRAIG McGINN, Ballynamony, Carrick-on-shannon, Co Leitrim.