Madam, - Do you expect your columnists to offer opinions based on facts or on wild, personal prejudice? Do you expect them to read the content of legislative proposals before denouncing them?
Maurice Neligan's latest, wild swipe at Minister for Health Mary Harney (Health Supplement March 20th) includes an allegation that her proposed legislation will allow the Minister to issue directions to the Medical Council on ethical matters.
The Medical Practitioners Bill being debated at the moment specifically excludes ethical areas from ministerial powers. Is it too much to ask that an Irish Times columnist, even a former cardiac surgeon, should read plain English before lashing out? - Yours etc,
STEPHEN BOYLE, The Old Rectory, Dungarvan, Co Kilkenny.