Sir, - The article by Michael Martin (November 1st) is a serious and considered response to an ill-thought out, poorly constructed Universities Bill which demonstrates fundamental ignorance. I am encouraged to believe that Fine Gael, as a party, understands and is appalled by many aspects of the Bill, and I believe that Dr Garret FitzGerald speaks for the majority of the party and its followers in his recent article in The Irish Times.
Universities must be free of political interference. We all accept that they must be accountable, but interference with independence cannot result in the intellectual freedom necessary to create the right environment necessary for intellectual excellence. This was recognised by our forefathers when they gave TCD its Charter.
The Charter was, of course, a specific vehicle to prevent State interference. What does the Minister know which we don't know that makes her put forward such an extraordinary Universities Bill? It seems that Ms Breathnach is unaware of the reasons why we, in Ireland have universities to be proud of.
Political interference in the management of institutions, which succeed because of their independence, displays ignorance and arrogance and should be strongly condemned and opposed. - Yours, etc.,
Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2.