Sir, - The behaviour and practices of the former Taoiseach Sean Lemass, one of the founder-members of Fianna Fail, make interesting reading (as revealed in John Horgan's fine biography) in the light of the recent political climate of back-handers, lies, scandals and tribunals.
While a Minister, Lemass had an unwavering policy that his official car should not be used for transporting his children to or from social engagements (even after he became Taoiseach, his wife cycled to Mass daily). When well-wishers sent the Lemass family packets of tea - a scarce commodity during the second World War - the gifts were always re-packed and returned. On trips abroad, Lemass never claimed his daily allowance unless he had actually spent the money. When given fees for articles he had written, he invariably (following the practice established by de Valera) turned the money over to the Red Cross.
C.S. Andrews afterwards wrote that "[Lemass] came to office a poor man, and was a poor man when he left." When he died, his estate was today's equivalent of a modest dwelling in a Dublin suburb.
That was less than a half-century ago. What has happened since? - Yours, etc.,
Louis Power, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin.