Sir, - I read with interest Rachel Donnelly's portraits of some members of the new British Cabinet (May 3rd). One point, however, needs correction, David Blunkett is not "the first blind MP in the Commons."
Over one hundred years ago economist Henry Fawcett, also blind, was elected to that house. In his 1899 Reminiscences, Home Rule MP Justin McCarthy wrote that Fawcett "was the first blind Member of the House of Commons known to my time, other Members since his entrance into Parliament have appeared there under the same privation." Although therefore, not the first blind MP, Mr Blunkett is presumably the first blind Secretary of State - thus showing that handicap need be no insurmountable harrier to advancement. Yours, etc.
Sweetmount Drive,
Dublin 14.