Madam, - Perhaps Denis Rodgers (June 28th) should visit Limerick to witness first hand the actual type of people who support and vote for the Progressive Democrats. People from all walks of life. People who want the best for their families and for their communities, who want change for the better, and are not caught up with any particular "ideology".
The PDs were born out of dissatisfaction with the corruption in the Irish political system of the 1980s, the country's bankrupt economic policies that caused massive dole queues, the nightmare of emigration and a crumbling health service.
Our mantra was one of reform to benefit all. And we have stuck to that.
In my own areas of mental health and disability services, I am striving to redress past neglects, to ensure that the economic success this country currently enjoys benefits the most vulnerable groups. I meet them regularly, listen to their needs, champion their concerns. It is these people I am in politics to serve, not "societal leaders".
May I remind Mr Rodgers that it was the Progressive Democrats who championed the National Treatment Purchase Fund which to date has treated over 15,000 medical card holders and taken them off waiting lists.
The PDs are committed to putting the patient first in our health services, and we will continue to resist the vested interests that promote other agendas. - Yours, etc.,
TIM O'MALLEY, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Dooradoyle, Limerick.