Madam, - Denis Connolly (December 22nd) makes a strong response to the surface of the issues I wrote about in my earlier letter.
However, I was in reality seeking to raise far more serious questions.
It appears that the Taoiseach is the nominal head of a cottage industry which issues large numbers of letters to public officials on behalf of constituents on various matters relating to the implementation of regulations, rules and laws.
These letters give the appearance of having been written and signed by the Taoiseach, and are therefore likely to be given particular attention by the officials receiving them. There is something deeply troubling about having the head of Government appearing to make "representations" on behalf of individual citizens to public officials, senior and junior.
It conceals from the constituent and from the public more generally the actual fact that the Taoiseach controls the legislature, and that he can cause the repeal or amendment (for the benefit of all) of any harsh law or regulation which he chooses.
As for standing over cheques signed "in blank", I would draw a clear distinction between signing personal cheques in this manner and signing dual signatory cheques drawn on public funds. - Yours etc.,
HUGO BRADY BROWN, Stratford on Slaney, Co Wicklow.