Sir, - Now that we have seen how easily a politician can raid lottery funds for a pet project (Mr Tom Kitt takes £6 million) completely at variance with the direction in which these funds are supposed to travel, the time has definitely arrived when youth, sport, culture and arts be carved in stone and these funds be shielded from such piracy.
No politician can be unaware of the disquiet expressed over and over again by the public. This is not a political slush fund. Politicians should discuss with those who elected them the anger that the Minister's behaviour has provoked.
A totally independent body, preferably small, should be appointed, with strict limits as to where Lottery funds may go. This body should not change with each new Government but exist for a fixed term. - Yours, etc.,
John A Cullinane,
Coolroe Heights,
Ballincollig,
Cork.