A Chara, - I was both shocked and appalled at the sight of Deputy John Gormley standing behind Bertie Ahern as the Taoiseach announced his impending resignation date.
Before the 2007 general election Mr Gormley predicated his personalised campaign against former minister for justice Michael McDowell on the grounds that he was failing to adhere to good public standards by remaining in Government with Fianna Fáil.
He even went so far as to refer to the former Progressive Democrats' leader as Tammy Wynette, as he "Stood by his man". Since that campaign Mr Gormley has radically changed his opinions, firstly demanding the tribunal be allowed conclude its work, before aping the PDs in their statements, calling for the Taoiseach to clarify his position.
To quote a line from the theme song to Only Fools and Horses, Mr Gormley's changing opinions on the Mahon tribunal are as much a mystery as the "changing of the seasons, and the tides of the sea". Thus, it calls into question whether Mr Gormley was serious when he spearheaded his campaign on Mr McDowell last year, and whether he truly believes in high public standards? - Mise le meas,
PATRICK CARROLL, Templeogue, Dublin.
A Chara, - I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Madam Editor, and your excellent journalist Colm Keena for maintaining the good tradition of The Irish Times and ensuring that the politicians operate on the same level playing field as the rest us. The people depend on this when all else fails. - Yours, etc,
PAUL DORAN, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Madam, - It is with great alarm that I (an exile in England for many years) note the resignation of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. What, I would like to know, is wrong with an Irish politician taking the occasional ten grand from a property developer? Is there anyone amongst us who would turn down a helpful "dig-out" if we found ourselves (like Mr Ahern) in a tight spot?
Is the day near at hand when the decent and hardworking holders of public office in our country cannot take so much as a bag of boiled sweets from a disinterested businessman without earning the reproof of the chattering classes? - Yours, etc,
DESMOND J DUFFY, Poole Road, Bournemouth, Dorset.
Madam, - The Taoiseach's decision to effectively tender his resignation yesterday came as shock to the nation.
Mr Ahern is the most successful leader of a political party, and indeed longest serving head of government, since Eamon de Valera. His legacy is sure to include credit due to him for his part in the negotiations and implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the economic policies which helped fuel the Celtic Tiger.
What is most surprising about the situation is the context in which Mr Ahern leaves office. It can all be traced back to Senator Fiona O'Malley's comments last week.
Her request for clarification on the issue of contradictory testimonies at the Mahon Tribunal had a dramatic knock-on effect.
When Mary Harney rowed in behind her PD colleague and voiced her own concerns, the Greens had no alternative but to respond.
With both coalition partners publicly uncomfortable with the revelations being drip fed from Dublin Castle, Mr Ahern had but two options - prove himself or go. Whoever said the PDs are irrelevant? -
EMER HIGGINS, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Madam, - The disgraceful attack on the Mahon tribunal by Bertie Ahern in UCD demonstrates yet again that Mr Ahern has no idea of how to behave in high public office. Wednesday was a good day for Irish public life.
We can dare to hope perhaps, that the Irish love affair with the "cute hoor", while not over, is at least, beginning to wane. - Yours, etc,
ALAN McPARTLAND, Rathfarnham, Dublin.
Madam, - Tom Savage ("Ahern's personal identification with the public was unequalled", April 3rd) refers to the "timing, authority, dignity and restraint of yesterday's announcement" by the Taoiseach in his departing statement.
I would have thought it a pity that Mr Savage did not refer to Mr. Ahern's swipe in the Dáil at the tribunal set up by the Oireachtas. What example is this for the ordinary citizen, especially the young and marginalised?
Slightly constitutional behaviour
May I suggest that the Larkin house affair and the hanging out to dry of Gráinne Carruth were the straws that finally broke the camel's back.
A pity shots are aimed at the messenger. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN CAFFERTY, Ballina Co Mayo.
Madam, - So our great statesman, having set fire to the building, then complains about the way the police questioned the janitor. - Yours, etc,
JOHN HUGHES, Raheny.