Madam, - As a signatory of the letter in your edition of January 17th to which Barry Andrews TD responded (January 19th), I am keen to make some remarks on his comments.
I am not sure whether Mr Andrews understands the culture of democratic debate which is part and parcel of the Labour movement. But this aside, I would be interested to know his own views on falling employment standards and the exploitation of migrant workers.
Perhaps his silence on the matter is not surprising, given the refusal of Fianna Fáil to address in any meaningful way the issues raised by the disputes at Irish Ferries and Gama last year. Or perhaps he avoids putting forward solutions to falling employment standards, knowing that this would be simply hypocritical in a context where the present Government employs more dog inspectors that labour inspectors. - Yours, etc,
PAUL DILLON, The Collonnades, Milltown, Dublin 14.
Madam, - It is wishful thinking on Barry Andrews's part if he thinks a single letter from seven activists indicates a general lack of support for Pat Rabbitte's leadership of the Labour Party. It is probably difficult for Mr Andrews to get his head around the idea that ordinary party members might express an opinion on an important issue. It seems not to happen much in Fianna Fáil.
This is what makes Fianna Fáil seem to have all the purpose of a chain letter, existing only to reproduce itself, packed with sheep-like members who bend with any political wind. Does he really think his ham-fisted attempt to denigrate Pat Rabbitte will impress anyone outside the party faithful? - Yours, etc,
TIM O'HALLORAN, Ferndale Road, Dublin 11.