Sir, – Leo Varadkar's invitation to his Ministers to ask public servants who underperform to move aside is to be welcomed (News, September 18th). Will he do the same with underperforming Ministers? – Yours, etc,
BRIAN GRAHAM,
Baldoyle,
Dublin 13.
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Sir, – Pat Leahy brilliantly describes the "Republic of Opportunity" as a "soundbite in search of a policy" (Analysis, "Varadkar fails to establish a 'Republic of Opportunity'", September 15th).
I suggest that we might all be better off in a less marketable – but more meaningful – “Republic of Outcome”. – Yours, etc,
CORMAC STAUNTON,
Ballinteer,
Dublin 16.
A chara, – As an emigrant aspiring to return to Ireland, Leo Varadkar's recent comments at the Fine Gael think-in came across as a stern warning to stay away ("Budget 2018: Focus is tax cuts for middle class, says Taoiseach", September 14th). I hoped he would talk about giving me the opportunity to return to a republic with enough houses and properly funded public services. However, he did precisely the opposite.
His assurance that “everyone who can should make a contribution and everyone should benefit in return” only guarantees that at least a modicum of tax will keep public services running in some unspecified form. – Is mise,
SEAN ROBERTI,
Luton,
England.