Madam, - Mr John O'Donoghue (July 24th) attacks the Labour Party for its "narrow political agenda". This is, no doubt, in contrast to the broad agenda pursued, in the Minister's mind, by Fianna Fáil. If we could all share this Fianna Fáil peace of mind we would probably dismiss the people on hospital trolleys as a feckless lot who, if they had their wits about them, would be able to afford treatment in the Blackrock Clinic.
Likewise, those couples who have to drive 30, 40, or 50 miles to work in Dublin every day because they cannot afford a house in Dublin, should reflect that all this driving will probably do them good. Besides, the sacred rights of private property would be damaged if Labour had its way and land prices were capped.
Again, anyone with the broad Fianna Fáil outlook can see that spending millions of taxpayers' euro on Punchestown and tax breaks for stud farms are worthy initiatives and feck the begrudgers.
In view of John O'Donoghue's perfectly balanced outlook I would not be too surprised if one day a halo appeared floating above his head. I am, however, puzzled by one thing. It is that, in contrast to the Minister's philosophy as outlined in his letter, many members of his party, including its leader - who, to borrow the Minister's words, have neither learned nor grown up - want to change Fianna Fáil policies and make some U-turns. This is because many, no doubt foolish, people voted against the party in the recent elections.
Mr O'Donoghue should end- eavour to convert these party members back to the true conservative faith. - Yours, etc.,
TOM WILLIAMS, Goldenbridge Avenue, Inchicore, Dublin 8.