Mary Lou McDonald’s interview

Sir, – I doubt if Mary Lou McDonald’s aspiration of bringing down average house prices in Dublin from €430,000 to the “€300,000 mark” (News, December 20th) will please the many home owners who have either already paid high prices for their homes, or who have struggled over the years to build equity in what is likely to be their primary lifetime investment. In fairness, this drop of 30 per cent could very well be achievable bearing in mind Sinn Féin’s inane fiscal policies. – Yours, etc,

NEVILLE SCARGILL,

Co Wicklow.

Sir, – In the interview with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald (December 20th) she tells us that, in government, her party would bring average house prices in Dublin down to “the €300,000 mark” from the current average of €430,000. I eagerly read the full interview conducted by Pat Leahy to ascertain what policies the party would pursue to achieve this laudable goal. Alas, Ms McDonald does not proffer a single initiative, nor does it appear from the transcript of the interview that the political editor posed such a question. – Yours, etc,

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STEPHEN O’BYRNES,

Morehampton Road,

Dublin 4.

Sir, – I’m torn between relocating to a dream trophy €300,000 home on the hill of Howth or Killiney Hill. – Yours, etc,

HELEN NOONAN,

Ranelagh,

Dublin 6.

Sir, – I would like to know if your interview with the Sinn Féin leader was an advertisement similar to a leading furniture establishment? Was it paid for by the party or a colour piece? I’m confused as it looked like an election poster. – Yours, etc,

TINA DERMODY,

Co Wicklow