DAVID LUNDY,
Sir, - At the weekend's Ard Fheis, Michael Noonan "redefined" Fine Gael as a social democratic party. Shouldn't this pose a problem for a party that sits with the European People's Party (PPE) in the European Parliament? Shouldn't Fine Gael now dissociate itself from this political grouping that includes such critics of social democracy as the British Conservatives?
Surely Fine Gael should now abandon the PPE and seek to join the opposing PSE, the traditional grouping for social democrats. Could it be that such a move is being prevented by the party's fear that it would predict the winding down of Fine Gael and represent the first step on the road to an eventual merger with the Labour Party? - Yours, etc.,
DAVID LUNDY,
Downside,
Skerries,
Co Dublin.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Sir, - Some 5,000 people packed into the conference room of the City West Hotel for the 71st Fine Gael Ard Fheis. They got to listen to fresh, bold and courageous political speeches. Fighting words and passionate phrases flowed. Whoever said this party was dying is sadly mistaken. I felt a strong team spirit, I saw warm smiles; hands were sore from much applause.
I met one gentleman who said that it was his 45th Ard Fheis and that it was the best ever with the biggest crowd. I was delighted, as it was my first. The manager of the hotel never saw so many people at a gathering before.
Fine Gael represented itself as a motivated and inspired team. Party members filled the meeting with excitement and there was a distinct feeling that change was near.
I saw a Fine Gael with vision and opportunity. The party was both internally and externally strong. The leader, Michael Noonan, gave an exceptional speech. I felt proud and hopeful. He spoke of the party and it's members being able to provide a new Ireland that would be more equal and fair with a better quality of life. The future is bright, the future is Fine Gael - Yours, etc.,
SINEAD COMERFORD,
Kew Park,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.