Warning against mortgage risks

A chara, – I would like to thank Noel Ahern TD (Minister of State with responsibility for housing 2002 – 2007) for “repeatedly…

A chara, – I would like to thank Noel Ahern TD (Minister of State with responsibility for housing 2002 – 2007) for “repeatedly warning against the abuse of (100 per cent) mortgages”. I am disappointed for him that his “actions did not make the necessary impression on the financial institutes and agencies with a remit on the same”.

However, I urge your readers to accept that the reason that we are in such economic dire straits lies not with the Minister of State with responsibility for housing at the time, but with commentators who showed “a lack of interest and criticism”. There’s true leadership for you! – Yours, etc,

GARETH CLIFFORD,

Coppinger Glade,

Blackrock,

Co Dublin.

Madam, – In response to Noel Ahern’s letter, (April 12th), it is now easy to appreciate why the country faces such turmoil given that a former Minister of State confuses idle commentary with political action. – Yours, etc,

EUNAN McKINNEY,

Westbrook,

Kimmage Road West,

Dublin 12.