Madam - Martin Minnock (March 13th) says people do care about who will be the next leader of the Progressive Democrats. While I accept that a few people do care, I do not believe the next leader of the PDs bears any political significance. The party's abysmal general election result, an ineffective acting leader and poor opinion poll figures suggest the PDs are a spent force.
I agree with Mr Minnock that Ireland would greatly benefit from a more socially liberal approach to politics and government. But I find it hard to believe the PDs can offer that when you look at their voting record in the Dáil on the Civil Unions Bill proposed by the Labour Party on two occasions last year.
The PDs should congratulate themselves for punching above their weight for over 20 years in Irish politics but I think it's time to hang up the gloves. - Yours, etc,
JONATHAN McDADE,
Castlewood Road,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6.