Sir, - As two first-time candidates for Fianna Fail in the forthcoming local elections, we wish to express our concern at the behaviour of certain prominent members and former members of the party in recent months and years as recently revealed. We also wish to express the widespread anger felt by Fianna Fail members throughout the country.
The taking of large sums of money from business interests, the possible corruption of the planning process and the refusal to clarify one's position when asked legitimate questions on these issues represents an ethos which neither we nor the vast majority of party members share.
The highly inappropriate and at times immoral behaviour of those who held public office cannot be allowed to pass without action from our party.
Those who engage in dishonest financial dealings should face immediate expulsion from Fianna Fail. Any person who received money for the party's benefit and who retained it for their own benefit should be pursued by the party for its return. The party must continue to co-operate with the tribunals and any criminal investigations that may result.
The perception in certain quarters that Fianna Fail is corrupt is grossly unfair to its members and supporters. However, we can understand how such a perception can emerge when party members acting as senior office-holders in the State can act in a patently unethical manner.
The anger within Fianna Fail, particularly among younger members, in the wake of the recent revelations emerging from the tribunals is widespread and acute.
We believe that Fianna Fail must undergo a process of reform and renewal. In particular, the culture of silence that permeates the party needs to be challenged.
In view of the anger of the membership and of the damage that has been done to the reputation of Fianna Fail in recent weeks, we believe an extraordinary Ard-Fheis of the party is warranted to allow members express their revulsion at the recent revelations and to refocus the party on its true ideals.
We hereupon call upon the party leadership to convene such an extraordinary Ard-Fheis as a matter of urgency. - Yours, etc., Barry Conway,
Fianna Fail candidate, Blackrock Electoral Area, Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fail candidate, Gorey Town Commissioners, Co Wexford.