Sir, – Further to recent letters (November 18th), it is regrettable that public debate is so readily reduced to attack and caricature. The enduring presence of clientelism combined with modern public relations have perhaps made the prominence of personality particularly egregious in the Irish case. Whether on the front page or parliamentary chamber, too often issues of the day are evaded in favour of convenient detraction.
Conversely, reputation is supreme and full democratic engagement is equally disfigured when the threat of libel writ is routinely a first response rather than last resort.
Nevertheless, anything but a robust pursuit of accountability would be a disservice to our politicians who have so long preached the gospel of individualism and above all, personal responsibility. – Yours, etc,
SIMON PRICE,
Newcastle, Galway.