Translating the Taoiseach

Madam, - The recent television reportage of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, addressing the UN General Assembly in New York showed Mr…

Madam, - The recent television reportage of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, addressing the UN General Assembly in New York showed Mr Brian Cowen listening with rapt attention to his leader's words while wearing rather large headphones.

The question arises: was Mr Ahern's speech being translated into English for Mr Cowen; and if so, should the translator be available in the Dáil this week to translate the Taoiseach's answers to various questions regarding his latest errant party colleagues and other matters? - Yours, etc.,

ARTHUR DUNNE, Blackrock, Co Dublin.