Madam, - On a car journey to the West on Thursday morning I listened with interest to the extensive news coverage of the appointment of Mary Coughlan as Tánaiste. At various points throughout the morning news analysis I heard references to her cerise pink outfit, her new haircut and her recent weight loss. I believe it was an RTÉ reporter who commented that she was highly competent, had plenty of experience and ability and looked good. He concluded that she was "the full package".
Surprisingly, given the media's identification of good looks as a political asset, I didn't hear a single comment on the looks or appearance of any other members of the Cabinet. It is high time for Ireland's largely male political commentators to grow up and focus on what really matters in politics. Ireland has a dismally low rate of female representation in the Dáil and such irrelevant comments do nothing to encourage young women to enter politics.
Irish women today are outperforming men in many aspects of education and are gradually making inroads into the upper echelons of previously male-dominated spheres of commerce and the professions. I don't doubt that we would all be better off if there were more women like Mary Coughlan in the Dáil. I wish her all the very best in her new role which, on the basis of her ability, she thoroughly deserves. - Yours, etc,
SUSAN SHANNON,
Lower Leeson Street,
Dublin 2.
Madam, - Can someone in the know tell the public why it is considered to be a demotion to be transferred to the Department of Social and Family Affairs? Just why is this Department considered to be of such little importance in the world of Irish political career development? - Yours, etc,
NIAMH BRENNAN,
Solomons Manor,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.
Madam, - Michael Keary (May 9th) asks why Willie O'Dea has been passed over for the justice ministry, given that he is a former barrister of note who possesses the insight into crime and social hardship that comes from being a long-serving Limerick TD? I ask: does Willie O'Dea have to be Minister for Justice before he can impart his undoubted wisdom and insight on these problems? - Yours, etc,
OWEN CASSIDY,
Ashton,
Blessington,
Co Wicklow.
Madam, - Brian Cowen is entitled to change his Cabinet as many times as he likes, but may I implore him not to bow to pressure from that band of self-appointed "style gurus" who will no doubt insist that he should change his wardrobe? The sight of Brian sporting a pair of canary-coloured slacks would be just too much to bear.
When Bertie discarded his anorak for a touch of sartorial elegance he lost a lot of street cred. Please, Mr Cowen, continue to be yourself, and for goodness sake give short shrift to anyone who has the temerity to utter the word "makeover". - Yours, etc,
PAUL DELANEY,
Beacon Hill,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.