Madam, - Michael McDowell's actions with regard to Frank Connolly are "ruthless and undemocratic", constitute an "abuse of Irish jurisprudence"and mark him out as a "threat to our democracy" according to Anthony Sheridan, Robert Ballagh and Michael Williams respectively (December 20th).
It is generally acknowledged that if the Minister's claims were to be adequately refuted he would have to resign. Surely, then, Mr Connolly has a duty to disprove the claim against him and rid us of such a malign influence as Minister for Justice? That is, of course, if he is in any position to do so. - Yours, etc,
LARRY O'NEILL, Seacliff Road, Baldoyle Dublin 13.
Madam, - The complimentary letters concerning Kevin Myers's Irishman's Diary of last Thursday - particularly one from a PD Senator - show how poor the standard of public debate is in this country. Kevin Myers's modus operandi is well-known at this stage. He is a polemicist who generally takes an extreme view and argues that case in sometimes almost comically trenchant terms. That, of course, is his right, and obviously it will appeal to those who strongly hold the same view. But for Senator John Minihan (December 20th) to suggest Mr Myers's piece was "thought-provoking" is missing the point. It was a piece of rhetoric which lamented the inconvenience of "due process", while also maintaining the seemingly incompatible notion of upholding democracy. It was not an analytical piece teasing out the various strands of the argument, and should not be conveniently presented as such by a member of Michael McDowell's party.
Leaving aside all the knee-jerk, politically-motivated reaction to the Centre for Public Inquiry, we should be asking this question: is it healthy to invest in the office of Minister for Justice the power to impugn any individual or any body who might seek to examine political impropriety, without any justification or elaboration other than the magic words "State security"? Is it appropriate that a politician has such unquestioned power?
Ironically, it is those who feel there genuinely is a threat to State security who should be most bothered by the Minister's behaviour and lack of accountability. This power in the wrong hands could be a real concern. Unfortunately, of course, the exigencies of politics always get in the way of logical thought. - Yours, etc,
MARTIN RYAN, Springlawn Close, Dublin 15.
A Chara, - In any vibrant democracy, there must be a place for think-tanks and for media and others to hold to account those who make decisions about all our lives to account. However, we are also entitled to know the identities of those behind such bodies, their political views and prejudices and any conflicts of interest.
For Frank Connolly to assume he could conduct searching inquiries into various affairs of state without owning up to his own prejudices and political history or travels represents either a strange naivety or arrogance.
To protect the CPI's independence during the current controversy, he would have stood aside pending a full investigation. In failing to do so, he compromised its activities and exposed it as a politically motivated organisation rather than one genuinely concerned about the abuse of public office. - Is mise,
MALCOLM BYRNE, The Chase, Gorey, Co Wexford.
Madam, - You published a letter regarding the Centre for Public Enquiry and signed by 18 persons who claimed to speak "on behalf of the general public".
I am one of the general public, and I have not asked, nor do I need, these people to represent me.
When I want someone to represent me, I will vote for him or her in a constitutionally appointed general election. - Yours, etc,
PETER R. CULLEN, Laraghbryan, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Madam, - Michael McDowell seems to believe it is part of his remit to inform philanthropic businessmen of the contents of files held by the Garda recording allegations, inconclusive investigations and other details. The Minister shows a touching faith in the accuracy of these files, especially in light of recent, well-founded revelations about the liberties taken by individual officers in regard to both the truth and respect for due procedure.
I trust Mr McDowell will be setting up his stall at Galway Races next summer. He surely has a duty to inform all those eager contributors to the funds of his partners in Government of details contained in Garda files. These concern allegations of subversive and unlawful activity - in the form of participation in tax evasion, corruption and personal enrichment, drunken driving etc, - made against past and present colleagues on both the front and back benches. Judging by the reports of various tribunals, many of these allegations have far more substance than the photocopy of a passport application given to a single journalist.- Yours, etc,
GORDON DAVIES, Briar Wood, Bray, Co Wicklow.