Madam, - Has the mask slipped? Mary Harney's spokesperson claims (January 26th) that her comments on the care of the elderly were misrepresented rings hollow. The words that she used were cold and calculating and even the most indifferent observer would have little difficulty grasping their meaning and intention.
What is more worrying is that Mary Harney is attempting to camouflage the consequences of her "greed is good" philosophy, which is greatly damaging our community. She knows well that this philosophy is offensive to the vast majority of the Irish people. Despite that, our society is being re-engineered to facilitate the neo-liberal agenda that puts a price on everything.
In her original remarks Ms Harney stated that a "carrot and stick" approach was needed to address what she saw as a problem. Assuming she intends that those who are caring for elderly relatives deserve assistance, that is laudable and explains the "carrot" element in the quote. Would Ms Harney now come out from behind the skirts of her spokesperson and explain the "stick" element? - Yours, etc.,
JIM O'SULLIVAN, Rathedmond, Sligo.