Sir, - I am surprised to find that Garret FitzGerald (Opinion, January 9th) still believes in expert advisers despite their comic contribution to public administration in recent years. They are supposed to provide "political impetus" to Government programmes. Unfortunately, this may be a euphemism for manipulating public policy in order to enhance the immediate political interests of their Ministerial masters. What Ministers need is objective and courageous advice, firmly based on the long-term interests of the community - the quintessential function of the permanent civil service. - Yours, etc.,
T. O'Connor, Churchtown, Dublin 14.