Madam, - I note that Bertie Ahern is claiming to be a socialist. He is already a nationalist. Some people, less charitable than myself, may insist that he declares, firmly, whether he is a social nationalist or a national socialist. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL MAHONY, Coogue South, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.
Madam, - If the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, is a socialist, why did he allow his previous Finance Minister to screw this country? He must be a very quiet socialist who doesn't get outraged at injustices and who doesn't speak out or stand up.
He is a strange sort of socialist to allow his party be aligned to right-wing parties in the European parliament.
Who on earth does he think he is? Does he believe in anything? I publicly question his leadership and his lack of moral courage.
The public is not dumb, deaf or blind. I do not believe anything that Mr Ahern says now. But I can hope for change. - Yours, etc.,
KAREN McDONALD, The Square, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny.
Madam, - Bertie Ahern is one of the few remaining socialists left in Ireland. Michael McDowell suffers from an excess of humility. In her heart of hearts, Mary Harney wants to put consultants on the minimum wage and pay nurses twice their present salaries to staff unused hospital beds.
You see, I'm the Red Queen. I rule in Lewis Carroll's Wonderland, and I can believe three impossible things before breakfast. - Yours, etc.,
GLORIA HAMILTON, National Chair, Labour Women, Ely Place, Dublin 2.