Sir, – Am I the only one disturbed by the manner in which the penalty points story first came to light? Notwithstanding the truth of the allegations, the mysterious tweeter showed a lack of common decency by tweeting Ming on Christmas Day when a few days either side would have made no difference. – Yours, etc,
FRANK HENRY,
Circular Road,
Galway.
Sir, – As I understand it, there is constitutional protection for TDs travelling to Leinster House on Dáil business and it was reported that Ming Flanagan told a garda that, when stopped, he was on such business. If this is true then gardaí were right not to proceed with the prosecution.
It is my humble opinion that Mr Flanagan would be better advised to desist from trying to embarrass An Garda Síochána (and presumably by association the Government) and focus on firstly, initiating action to remove such protection for TDs and secondly, avoiding the dangerous practice of using a mobile phone while driving. – Yours, etc,
DAVE ROBBIE,
Seafield Crescent,
Booterstown,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Surely the whole point about Ming Flanagan is lost on a deeply conservative media. Do we want one-dimensional politicians with no innovative views on how society can be run?
Ming is more a thinking man’s man. A philosophical thinker. It is patently obvious that the points scandal that he is alluding to is an allegory for the vested interest that controls how Ireland should be run. It is an ostensible point to try to create a deeper level of the understanding about who and what shape our lives. Such as the €100 million given by all the taxpayers to the fee paying schools to accommodate a relatively privileged few. Or how a mass of cartels and vested interest can dictate the price of all goods by influencing the Government.
The nihilistic Ming is obviously a thorn in the side of the established order. It is patently obvious that Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael/Labour means more of the same cronyism and dynastic shambolics . . . that stifle any new and creative outlook. God bless Ming. – Yours, etc,
VICTOR FELDMAN,
Joy Sreet,
Ringsend, Dublin 4 .
Sir, – Has Ming claimed the mobile phone allowance of €750? This allowance is to provide phones and hands-free kits for TDs. I find it interesting that he should ever have a phone in his hand while driving considering this over-generous allowance. – Yours, etc,
CONAN DOYLE,
Pococke Lower,
Kilkenny.
Sir, – The Garda sergeant who advised Ming Flanagan how he could appeal against penalty points being recorded on his driving licence should be commended because he, rightly, sought to rectify a mistake. He acted after Ming Flanagan had explained that he had been journeying for Dáil attendance when stopped and ticketed for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.
Regarding the other occasion when Ming Flanagan was absolved from having his licence endorsed for a similar offence, did the county council employee not act in good faith when he or she had a word with the gardaí about Ming Flanagan’s incurring penalty points for mobile phone misuse when driving to a meeting with county council executives?
Did, he or she call the gardaí out of respect for Ming Flanagan’s public spirit in taking time out from national duty to attend and participate in a meeting, with county council employees, which dealt with a local agenda?
When all is said and done, is it fair to ask if Ming Flanagan’s remonstrating against the well meaning actions of the Garda sergeant and the county council employee, is a Leitrim replication of what was widely thought to be an unique Dublin phenomenon best explained as follows : “How to make an enemy of a Dublin man?” “Do him a favour”. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL FARREN,
Merton Road,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – Should the TV quiz show Pointless now be the subject of a Dáil debate? – Yours, etc,
TOM GILSENAN,
Elm Mount,
Beaumont,
Dublin 9.