Sir, - Jack Lynch was laid to rest amid eulogies befitting a statesman of such decency and calibre. He left behind a legacy upon which a foundation was laid for the future of Ireland. It was ironic that the graveside oration was given by a man expelled from Fianna Fail for conduct unbecoming the party - a bit rich coming from an administration that was as obnoxious as it was corrupt.
Jack Lynch had a vision for Ireland based on inclusiveness and respect for all. He had a dream for the prosperity of his people and he worked tirelessly for peace and harmony. He stood tall against a backdrop of deception and lust for power that would threaten the integrity of the State and he stood taller with his inherent decency and ability to forgive. He was surely, as his friend, said "a great warrior of Ireland".
Contrast his record with that of a regime that sold its soul to stay in power; an administration considered so vile that people could not hold or contain their contempt in silence when they saw Mr Haughey in Cork; a government led by an individual and comprised of people who are and have been despised for their ruthlessness and arrogance. They brought shame and disgrace to Ireland and hardship on our people.
But remember. We as a nation have come of age. We are prosperous to the envy of Europe and we have accepted our prosperity with a confidence and maturity that stands us proud in world affairs. We have shaken off the shackles of an abusive and uncaring church. We have heard the cries and hurt of the abused and we have sought and will continue to seek justice for the most vulnerable and violated. We have the courage to stand up to the abuses of power and intimidation by financial institutions and we will not tolerate one level of law for TDs and another for the rest of us.
Never again will we allow an administration to tread us down and we will not accept the financial policies that do not look after all of our people. We will demand and we will insist on tribunals that will stamp out corruption and abuse and justice and equality will belong to all of the people in Ireland. - Yours, etc., Barry O'Reilly,
Seapark, Malahide, Co Dublin.