A chara, - About 6,200 passports are issued annually after representations by TDs and senators ( The Irish Times, January 31st). Why is it necessary for citizens to ask politicians for help in obtaining basic entitlements? To facilitate applicants who cannot attend personally at the Passport Office, An Post has organised a special system. Irish embassies abroad are also helpful.
Do applications routed through ministerial or constituency offices gain advantages by jumping the queue? Political patronage for obtaining passports may not be illegal, but is it fair?
- Is mise,
TONY QUINN, Dalkey, Co Dublin.