Sir, - I read with interest a letter from two "first time" Fianna Failers (January 11th) with regards to the "perceived" corruption within their party and their call for an extraordinary meeting of that party. One thing which they failed to mention was the passing of the "Electoral Act 1998" by the Fianna Fail led Government which awarded the Fianna Fail party £420,000 of "indexed linked" taxpayer's money per annum.
One problem with this piece of legislation is that the taxpayers, who foot the bill, were never asked if they wanted to "donate" their money to what is after all, a private organisation. The money was simply taken from us. Surely this amounts to that special form of corruption so beloved by governments, known as legalised corruption.
Secondly, the legislation is perhaps unconstitutional, in that it creates a distinction between, and discriminates against, those TDs who do not belong to political parties. Unfortunately constitutional challenges are well beyond the means of most of our independent TDs.
Let me call on these "first time" Fianna Failers to show us their true grit by asking their party to please return to the taxpayer what is rightfully the taxpayer's. After all, reform, if it is to be true reform, must change things within that party. If these brave men do not get satisfaction from their leaders, can I please let them know that there are other parties out there . - Yours, etc., John Lacken
General Secretary, Christian Solidarity Party, Foxrock Avenue, Foxrock, Dublin 18.