Sir, – Stephen Collins’s apparent contention that ethics in public office need only apply in instances involving significant amounts of money is somewhat jarring (“Irish politics reached a new level of absurdity over the last 10 days”, Opinion & Analysis, January 27th).
Rules governing conduct and codes of behaviour in public life must be applied universally and not on an individual basis. Paschal Donohoe’s failure to declare his election expenses should not be a sacking offence but neither should the amounts at play allow him to proceed entirely without penalty. A fair and equitable code of conduct should determine how behaviour is judged and not the sums involved.
Trivialising the matter is neither constructive nor appropriate. – Yours, etc,
FIONNUALA WALSH,
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Galway.