Madam, - With the untimely death of former minister and Fianna Fáil chief whip Séamus Brennan, the Dáil has lost somebody who always carried out his various roles with a degree of grace, decency and moderation.
Furthermore, Mr Brennan was, by all accounts, a Trojan worker who tried to bring something worthwhile to whatever portfolio he was given and who always succeeded in cloaking the most unpalatable and unpopular tidings with temperance and humility.
Despite his PD-style penchant for the wonders of the free market, he gave the impression that he generally thought through the effect of his public utterances and, like Bertie Ahern, he had a personality that helped dampen down any potential conflicts.
This approach showed a respect for both the office he was currently holding, and the public whom he served. - Yours, etc,
DAVID MARLBOROUGH,
Kenilworth Park,
Dublin 6W.