O'Flaherty nomination

Sir, - Is there no limit to the arrogance of our politicians, who in their abuse of power, show nothing but contempt for the …

Sir, - Is there no limit to the arrogance of our politicians, who in their abuse of power, show nothing but contempt for the ordinary decent people of Ireland? Do they never learn, or is it that they do not want to learn? Are we only fooling ourselves in thinking that the costly and time-consuming tribunals of inquiry now sitting, might make the slightest bit of difference at the end of the day?

The latest display of brazen effrontery by Minister for Finance, Mr Charlie McCreevy, in nominating former Supreme Court judge, Mr Hugh O'Flaherty, for a prestigious EU position leaves one gasping for breath. The message is loud and clear - Fianna Fail intends to go on its merry way doing what it does best. We are told that Mr McCreevy has the support of the Taoiseach, all his ministerial colleagues, and even the Tanaiste, Ms Mary Harney, for this unwise and contentious nomination. It is inexplicable to me how Mary Harney of the "squeaky-clean" PDs could go along with this cavalier manifestation of political preferment.

Is it any wonder that our young people are switched off politics and politicians? - Yours, etc.,

L. G. Kilgallen, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.