Sir, - Like the vast majority of Irish people, I have a sense of anxiety about the levels of corruption that seem to have existed with regard to planning applications. No one now doubts the value of the Flood Tribunal as Irish society seeks to look squarely at itself, at how things were done in the past, and at what corrective measures may now need to be put in place.
As the revelations continue, a strong conviction needs to be continually voiced if democracy is to be properly served and protected. This conviction goes as follows:
1. That politics and public life have been well served through the years by a majority of good, decent and upright citizens who have proud records of service to society and community.
2. That the majority of those currently involved in political parties and public life are no less motivated by the highest of ideals of stewardship and service.
3. That the present and the future need more such people to give of their time, energy and talent.
Irish life is not served by castigating the many for the sins of the few. This is a lesson we still need to learn as we tolerate and support crude banner headlines and blood-soaked sound-bites on this and other issues affecting the national soul-search that is currently under way. Neither, it should be remembered, does basic justice require that those who have made mistakes be daily stoned in the marketplaces by harsh and unforgiving words and invective, much of which achieves little more than our shared diminishment. - Yours, etc., Fr John Carroll,
St Aidan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.