Sir, – There is no mystery about it. The new party is, quite simply, a Christian Democrat party. What is different is the personnel. This party is being set up by people who stood up for their principles, when many of their colleagues allowed themselves to be bullied into submission. In my book, that is a very good start. – Yours, etc,
JIM STACK,
Lismore,
Co Waterford.
Sir, – For a country with a proud history of producing great leaders on the sporting field, the lack of real leaders on the political stage is a profound worry, particularly in the context of an inexplicable rise in support for Sinn Féin.
I have no idea whether Lucinda Creighton is a real leader, but she is to be greatly admired for her willingness to give this her best shot. Fintan O'Toole, on the other hand, is happy to roll out his depressingly familiar condescending tone in his latest missive from the sidelines ("Reboot and be damned: a temporary little arrangement?", Opinion & Analysis, January 6th).
If memory serves, having threatened to change the world before the 2011 election and enter the political fray, he quickly decided on the comfort and safety of his ivory tower. The great pity is that in deciding not to put up, he unfortunately chose not to shut up too.
It would be lovely, mind you, to see him focus on some more of his Christmas memories ("When I close my eyes and think of Christmas", December 23rd). #RebootOToole. – Yours, etc,
ALAN KEALY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Fintan O’Toole is quick to put the boot into Lucinda Creighton’s new party, but is factually wrong on one point at least, that of Ms Creighton’s supposed appeasement approach to trade unions. Ms Creighton is on record as saying unions need to be faced down, and that she had objected to Fine Gael going into coalition with Labour on the basis that this would compromise the Government’s ability to challenge unions and pursue a reform agenda. She cited the creation of the HSE and Irish Water as instances in which governments had capitulated to union demands, to the detriment of the State. – Yours, etc,
JOHN THOMPSON,
Phibsboro,
Dublin 7.
Sir, – If Lucinda reboots does that mean she will then be on an election footing? – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL O’DONNELL,
Dublin 9.