Madam, – In your Editorial (January 5th) you rightly wished Brian Lenihan well. However, in my view, that is where the rightness of your concern should have ended.
I believe that no man can serve two masters. We, the electorate, are Mr Lenihan’s political masters and I for one do not believe – regardless of your assertions or those of his doctors – that he is acting in a responsible manner.
Furthermore, I personally cannot subscribe to the notion of indispensability as alluded to in your Editorial. After all, is Mr Lenihan not flesh and blood like the rest of us? Surely the only sensible conclusion to this unhappy situation would be for Mr Lenihan to retreat from politics and attempt to “master” his illness. Ireland will still be here when he returns. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – As my previous letter (July 7th, 2009) will testify, I was as opposed as anyone to Brian Lenihan’s approach to bailing out the banks through over-paying for their toxic loans.
However that opposition never extended to questioning his integrity or dedication. I had to acknowledge somewhat ruefully that there wasn’t much in the way of alternative talent available for his position – particularly after the abysmal failure of the Greens to stand up for their principles and oppose the Nama legislation.
His decision now to carry on in the face of a serious medical condition confirms his stature as one of the few people of real substance in Irish political life, a situation sadly emphasised also by the recent passing of Justin Keating. Let us hope Mr Lenihan makes as full a recovery as possible, as quickly as possible.
The public response to his predicament is also quite a tribute to the maturity of the Irish people. The lack of bitterness and bile directed at him personally in the wake of one of the most draconian budgets of all time is quite remarkable. The sympathy now felt towards him seems quite universal.
Fianna Fáil may have got us into an almighty mess. But it has also provided us with one of the few leaders who may be capable of leading us out of it – his mistaken approach to dealing with the banks notwithstanding! – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Like the rest of the country I was disappointed with the recent coverage of the illness of Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan.
However two wrongs do not make a right and his decision today to remain in office is wrong. Mr Lenihan holds the second most important ministry in a time of national economic crisis. It is self- serving and a disservice to the office he holds to believe that he is the best placed person to fill the role of Minister for Finance while he undergoes cancer treatment (God willing he will make a full and speedy recovery). I believe Minister Lenihan has made a poorly judged decision which will be extremely difficult for his Cabinet colleagues to be seen to question without fear of agendas or ulterior motives.
I don’t harbour any agendas or fears so I am not afraid to say quite clearly, “Minister Lenihan, step down from your ministry, return to your family, recover from your illness and I look forward to seeing you in good health and back in high office in the very near future.” – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I listened to Brian Lenihan’s interview on RTÉ Radio 1. It is at once both humbling and inspiring to listen to his courageous and dignified approach to this illness.
TV3 made a grave error in its approach to this story – to intrude on such a personal health matter of a public figure is simply inexcusable in the mind of any reasonable person.
Certainly, it did not serve any public information purpose, denying him the opportunity to communicate with his wider family and relations in a way and at a time of his own choosing.
Even at this stage, over one week after its initial story, I have not seen a meaningful or significant statement from TV3, its head of news or the journalist who reported it. The delay in making such a statement is in stark contrast with the unseemly haste on St Stephen’s Day. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – May I remind my fellow Irishmen of the call last year from our Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, for all to show patriotism in these difficult times. Today, I would like to thank him for being the greatest patriot in my lifetime and wish him well. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The judgment of TV3 and its handling of the premature disclosure of Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan’s illness is one that will be well dissected by media and political commentators. Its lack of judgment, sensitivity and professionalism was mirrored by the contribution of Dr John Crown to its “scoop”. It is unfortunate for Dr Crown that his indefatigable fight for cancers sufferers, specifically pancreatic cancer sufferers on St Stephen’s Day, could be so misunderstood. Surely he owes an apology to Minister Lenihan and his family for his role in that presentation, and maybe a long hard look in the mirror? – Yours, etc,