Madam, - Before the general election of last May the Taoiseach told us he would explain everything regarding controversial aspects of his finances once he could appear before the Mahon Tribunal. It seems that, on the basis of that promise, enough people gave him the benefit of the doubt on election day for him to just about maintain his hold on the reins of power.
Now, however, we have heard his "explanations" and it is clear that, once more, enough of the people have been fooled enough of the time to ensure the continuation of what is practically the one-party Government of this state.
Democracy is a blunt instrument and the people have few opportunities to express themselves. The next opportunity to do so will be on the matter of the Lisbon Treaty.
Unless those who are in a position to do so remove this man from the helm of our State forthwith, there is a real chance that people will understandably use the referendum to inflict a bloody nose on those who clearly hold the people in such contempt.
To those who could and should remove this affront to democratic principles, based solely on his own evidence, and fail to do so, the question should be posed: Where do your loyalties lie? - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL O'DRISCOLL, Castleview, Dundrum, Dublin 16.
Madam, - In a week when The Irish Times proudly proclaims itself as the best newspaper in Ireland, it is regrettable that you continue to harm that great reputation through what many consider to be biased commentary of the Taoiseach's appearances at the Mahon tribunal.
Given the legal issues that surround your own actions in matters relating to the tribunal, you cannot presume upon the goodwill of your readership in presenting your opinion as unbiased.
In your Editorial last Saturday (February 23rd), you rightly say that the three tribunal judges were selected as "independent, trustworthy and impartial individuals". However, Mr Conor Maguire, a former chairman of the Bar Council, is also a highly reputable barrister and he is surely entitled to question whether bias has inadvertently entered the tribunal process.
Judge Mahon's highly emotive, and uncharacteristic, response was rebutted on three occasions by Mr Maguire, who said he had neither stated nor implied the construction which Judge Mahon put upon his words. Their exchange was quoted in Saturday's paper. Nevertheless, in your Editorial, you self-servingly quoted Judge Mahon's emotive words that the judges were being accused of being "off on an illegal, corrupt and criminal frolic of their own" to justify your own headline of "An assault on the tribunal's integrity". Mr Ahern's counsel did not utter these words, yet you criticise his questions as attracting headlines. However it was you, Madam, who manufactured the headline.
It is also clear that you disagree with your own columnist Noel Whelan's excellent piece on the opposites page, arguing that "Ahern's failings [ were] not close to corruption" - a view I believe is shared by a majority in this country. Indeed, Whelan's appeal for a more honest appreciation of the social-political "context" of the period under scrutiny are well understood by any reasonable person who had any involvement with politics, at any level, and of any political persuasion, during that era.
I do not know what the outcome of the Mahon tribunal will be. Neither do you. It is surely incumbent on The Irish Times to report the news without bias rather than contribute to the media frenzy that currently surrounds the tribunal. - Yours, etc,
Dr VINCENT KENNY, Glenvara Park, Knocklyon, Dublin 16.
Madam, - The Taoiseach's counsel, Conor Maguire SC, raised serious questions during the recent session of the Mahon tribunal regarding what the tribunal's procedures. Specifically it was revealed in last Thursday's evidence that the tribunal had written to a number of stockbroking firms and they had replied saying they had not given money to Mr Ahern and Mr Ahern had not sought money from them. This correspondence had been withheld by the tribunal for reasons not fully apparent. Mr Maguire pointed out that this information was relevant in helping Mr Ahern to defend himself.
This is a basic right in any court in the land, but not so for the tribunal, it seems. Even with this information revealed, the tribunal still does not accept that the Taoiseach is being treated unfairly. Strange times we live in! And we are now supposed to wait for an unbiased and impartial report from the tribunal. I won't be holding my breath. - Yours, etc,
Cllr GARETH CROWE, Foxrock, Dublin 18.