Madam, - The Government might consider retaining the services of Sir Alan Budd for any political investigations it might have in mind in the months ahead, given the expeditiously effective way in which the inquiry into the David Blunkett affair was conducted.
However, the British political reflex of taking the consequences of negative findings would not find much favour here. An outside observer might be surprised at the resilience of Irish political consciences and at the unexercised and emaciated nature of political responsibility in this country.
Not alone would Mr Blunkett's action not be considered a resigning matter in Ireland, as argued by Gerry Walker (December 18th), it would not even be considered a matter worth investigating. - Yours etc.,
HUGO BRADY BROWN, Stratford on Slaney, Co Wicklow.
Madam, - If the forced resignation of David Blunkett - arguably the most talented member of the British Cabinet - is held up as representative of the type of public accountability the Irish public expects of their politicians, this would surely be a shame.
David Blunkett has been the victim of some well-aimed media stories from well-connected individuals involved in a private battle with him. It is true he has only himself to blame for some minor lapses of judgment, but these are where a man's heart has overruled his normal political instincts. In the end, who was really hurt by Mr Blunkett's so-called "offences"?
We, in the UK, are perpetuating the survival of the media-savvy at the expense of the truly talented. Is it any wonder that we are left now with the soullessness of political spin-doctoring?
The sneering from certain British "news" publications and the Tory party is truly nauseating. Mr Blunkett has more talent for sorting out Britain's problems in his big toe than the entire Tory shadow cabinet and their media cheerleaders. We should wish Mr Blunkett all the best in his upcoming battle now that he has paid the ultimate price for his desire to be a father in more than just the genetic sense - and wish him a speedy return to the fore of British politics. - Yours, etc.,
COLIN R. COOPER, The Broadway, London SW19.