Sir,– One has only to listen to the emetic level of debate in the Dáil to be fearful of giving our politicians complete freedom to condemn without proof. Populism, name-calling and loutish behaviour seem to have taken the place of thoughtful argument. If Mr O’Brien’s case goes to a hearing it is obvious that the right of the Oireachtas to speak as it pleases about the innocent among us will be curbed to balance it with the right of the citizen to be protected. Denis O’Brien is doing our society a favour and, as a total stranger to the man, I wish to thank him for it. – Yours, etc,
JOHN O’CONNOR,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6.