Sir, - I would like to voice my strong objections to the treatment of Mr Hugh O'Flaherty by both the media and politicians.
I think Mr O'Flaherty's actions in the Sheedy affair were well intentioned, even if wrong at the time and hurtful to the Ryan family. There was nothing to be gained by Mr O'Flaherty in the affair, monetary or otherwise, in contrast to the many instances of political corruption now being revealed.
In my opinion Mr O'Flaherty paid the highest price for his actions by his resignation and I think that the affair should end there. I am proud that we have somebody with Mr O'Flaherty's credentials to nominate for this EU position and I wish him every success. Furthermore, I think he deserves whatever salary the job affords and whatever pension he has already earned.
I am not one of the public Ms Harney refers to who reacted adversely to the nomination. The main objectors seem to be politicians. Perhaps they wish to turn our attention away from all the adverse media attention they themselves are getting. - Yours, etc.,
Claire Lemass, Sandyford, Dublin 18.