Sir, - I was surprised and disappointed by the words of the Tanaiste, Mary Harney, repeated several times on RTE news bulletins on Tuesday, May 4th, and again on Sunday last on the Andy O'Mahony Show: "I didn't go with a gun to the Taoiseach's head. It wasn't a schoolteacher/pupil relationship. I deal with people in a civilised manner."
Such language can do little for the public perception of teachers today, who are as committed to civilised values as I have no doubt Ms Harney is. Many teachers will have been hurt by her choice of words. I think she owes us an apology.
Take 100 lines, Ms Harney! - Yours, etc.,
Gerard Murtagh, St Laurence College, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin.