Sir, - Is there any real difference between (a) making payments to politicians in return for votes and (b) making deals with Independent TDs in return for their votes.
The latter arrangements to ensure a Government remains in power are, I believe, of a greater magnitude of bribery and corruption. While not in "brown paper bags", the goodies secured for their constituents are as much to the personal advantage of such Independents, and this practice is apparently acceptable in front of our eyes at the very heart of the Oireachtas itself.
Why has this matter not been raised before - or am I alone in finding this practice morally indefensible? Surely it is now time to ask serious questions. - Yours, etc.,
R. J. Cloughley, Rathdown Park, Terenure, Dublin 6W.