Madam, - As the mask of the Government slips to its ankles the recent comments by Michael McDowell and Willie O'Dea on the need for inequality in society underline a serious failure in their provision of "democratic" government (The Irish Times, May 29th).
If parties in power accept inequality for the sake of monetary gain (which is what it boils down to), then they are akin to those who say that suffering is necessary to produce the finest art.
The comments of the Ministers would be understandable if all citizens took turns in living in squalor, deprivation and poor health, but the mechanism these parties promote, i.e. a society based on profiteering, makes sure that they and their connections will never have to suffer this reality.
Who said that gombeenism was dead? - Yours, etc.,
EUGENE TANNAM, Monalea Park, Dublin 24.