Madam, - Eddie Cormican (October 27th) says the Taoiseach should be lauded for the leadership he has shown over the banking crisis. I have a different view.
Since Mr Cowen assumed office he has failed his party, he has let down his country and he has disappointed the other citizens of the EU. Within a week, he had blemished the national parliament with audible profanities. Growing in confidence, he led the national fiasco of the Lisbon Treaty referendum. He has continued to blaze a blundering trail by producing possibly the most ill-considered Budget in the history of the State. Whenever competence and leadership were called for, he has stepped forward with a special blend of irritability, gracelessness and bungling.
His poor temper and poor judgment make him look like the Steve Staunton of Irish politics. - Yours, etc,
PETER ROBBINS,
Maretimo Gardens,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.