Sir, - I read with increasing surprise and disappointment yesterday's "Irishman's Diary" (July 9th) by Patsy McGarry. The article clearly illustrates the shallow generalities which are almost inevitable when one undertakes a brief assessment of the performance of a major political party over an extended period of time.
The core reality which Mr McGarry seems to have missed is that in the long run, any political party is dependent for its support on the public acceptability and operational effectiveness of its policies. In this context, Fianna Fail has maintained for many decades its position as by far the most popular party among the Irish electorate. Similarly, it has made an enormous contribution to the economic and social development of this country - never more so than since 1987.
Currently the party is involved in a vigorous and comprehensive process of policy formulation right across the entire spectrum of state activities. This often hidden work is vital to ensure that Fianna Fail plays its part to the fullest possible degree in developing and implementing policies which will tackle the twin challenges facing this country as we approach the start of the 21st century namely, decisively dealing with major problems such as unemployment, crime, drug abuse and restoring peace in Northern Ireland; and developing the full potential of this country, particularly its indigenous natural resources, to the benefit of each citizen, but particularly those in greatest need. - Yours, etc.,
Dail Eireann,
Dublin.