Sir, - Medb Ruane's column of June 9th misunderstands or, worse, seeks to misrepresent the role of the Standards in Public Life Committee and the publication of its subsequent report.
I was amazed by the author's assertion that the launch of the report was headed by Mr Rory O'Hanlon and Mr David Andrews, neither of whom would stand at the next election. I would like to assure Medb Ruane before she embarks upon my political obituary that, far from retiring from political life, I am very much looking forward to standing at the next election. The author would do well to check her facts before making such comments.
Furthermore, to liken the report to a minor administrative matter better delegated to line managers is highly offensive to all those in the committee who worked tirelessly on compiling what has been acknowledged by a cross-section of commentators as an extremely detailed and comprehensive report. It is disingenuous not to acknowledge this effort.
The recommendations made by the committee in the report are far-reaching and sensible. Medb Ruane seems disappointed that the committee did not leapfrog legal procedures such as due process and the workings of the tribunal.
There is no doubt that everyone would appreciate if there had been the same level of attention to detail and facts in the article concerned as was adhered to in the production of the Fianna Fail committee's report and recommendations. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Rory O'Hanlon TD, Chairperson, Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party, Dail Eireann, Dublin 2.