Madam, - I would like to draw your readers' attention to what I consider to be a serious lapse in standards by RTÉ, which has also been echoed in some press reportage.
I strongly object to the demeaning mimicry of the evidence of Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern in coverage of the tribunal. The manner in which an actor takes off Mr Ahern's homely north Dublin accent and phraseology is in marked contrast to the upper-crust - almost "Home Counties" - tones of the learned counsel probing him for details of transactions that took place 14 years ago. The Salem-like mood generated by this style of reporting perhaps conceals a snobbish "better school, better address" contempt for a grassroots Dublin Taoiseach.
Anyone who appreciates the turmoil in Mr Ahern's domestic affairs at that time could hardly expect clear and detailed memories about different bank transactions on different dates in these circumstances.
Looking back over Mr Ahern's career - not least his massive
contribution to industrial peace and unprecedented economic
development and his tireless and successful work for a historic
Northern settlement - should put things in a proper perspective.
His achievements for this nation can be weighed against the
contribution of his media critics, his detractors and his
interrogators. That was the way the electors made their judgment in
June. - Yours, etc,
GRÁINNE LAWLOR,
Thornton,
Kilsallaghan,
Co Dublin.