Sir, Much has been said about the fact that Ireland has been the first EU economy to be formally reprimanded by the European Commission. What has not been so widely trumpeted is the fact that the Minister for Finance did not meekly climb down and accept the admonitions of the "big boys" in Europe (and the more timid lapdog states) but stood up to them, took their best shot and rolled with the punches.
We have a strong Minister who will stand up for this country and its fiscal policies, be they right or wrong. I applaud his stand and hope that future ministers of whatever political persuasion have the guts to stand up for what is believed to be in Ireland's best interest. - Yours, etc.,
John Morrissey, Leamlara, Co Cork.