Sir, - Having read Maire Geoghegan-Quinn's thoughts on democracy (Opinion, May 8th) I feel grateful for seeing the end of one-party government. The mess we are in today may well have its roots in the run of Fianna Fail governments of which the writer was a long-serving member.
Democracy is vested in the people, so there is nothing antidemocratic in Mary Harney's making the Taoiseach accountable for his actions over the handling of questions of payment to politicians, appointments to his Cabinet, or the case she refers to: the Sheedy affair. It is difficult to understand, at a time when the public is demanding transparency and accountability in public affairs, why the writer should question the right of a party leader in Government to insist on satisfactory answers. The whole drift of her article shows scant regard for the voice of a minority party.
Why the Taoiseach made representations on behalf of Philip Sheedy is of great interest to me as a citizen and I back Mary Harney for making the circumstances of the case an issue. Why Mr Haughey while Taoiseach was not made more accountable for his leadership and lifestyle by his Cabinet is now quite rightly of great concern to the Irish public. Is this going to be the third occasion on which a government falls for lack of accountability and trust? Imputing unworthy motives to the Tanaiste for demanding straight answers is hardly the best way to promote democracy. - Yours, etc., John F. Fallon,
Boyle, Co Roscommon.