Madam, - Paul Sweeney's reflections (October 31st) on the failures of unregulated markets and the need for a new balance between private and public interests deserve applause and close study.
It is a pity that economic analysis in the pages of The Irish Timeshas in recent years been almost exclusively provided by right-wing ideologues and highly paid PR advisers to bankers and stockbrokers, as if theirs was the only view among economists.
You have said, Madam, that the trust status of The Irish Timesprotects its editorial content "from commercial and other unhealthy sectional interests". Until now, this has not been apparent in the overall tone of economic commentary.
I should add that the same is true of RTÉ, which as a public service broadcaster has a stronger, statutory obligation to fairness and impartiality. Unfortunately, when it comes to the experts chosen for interview about the economy, audiences all too often hear only the cheerleaders of privatisation, while other expert voices are generally ignored or marginalised. - Yours, etc,