Sir, - John Fitzgerald (October 10th) alleges that a political smear campaign has been run against Adi Roche. I would be interested to know what Mr Fitzgerald bases this on. Has he any evidence to suggest that Ms Roche's former colleagues were politically motivated? In particular, why does he link the revelations regarding Ms Roche's brother to this group?
I suggest that a political smear campaign was carried out against those who criticised Ms Roche. On the front page of The Irish Times of September 3rd, "Labour Party sources" were reported as saying that anonymous letters regarding Adi Roche has been circulated in Leinster House. The report continued: " . . . the letters did not arrive by post and staff at Leinster House are not permitted to accept more than five envelopes for Oireachtas members - implying that the mail may have been distributed by hand inside the building."
Since then, an internal investigation carried out by the Leinster House authorities could not find a single Dail deputy who has received the anonymous letter through the internal Dail mail system. Perhaps "Labour Party sources" would care to comment on this. - Yours, etc., Pat Corcoran.
Charles Street, Dublin 1.