Madam, - Conal Campbell (September 15th), in explaining Fine Gael's mediocre electoral performance in recent decades, posits the view that "Fianna Fáil's initial abstention from parliamentary activity allowed a period of organisational development without the distraction of being part of a government".
While it may be true that a nascent Fianna Fáil needed time to organise itself to the level which saw it go from its foundation to government in just six years, it seems dubious to suggest that an apparent advantage that accrued 80 years ago can still be considered relevant to current electoral fortunes.
Since Eamon de Valera formed his first government in 1932, Fine Gael has been out of government for 58 out of 76 years - ample time, surely, for that party to enjoy "a period of organisational development without the distraction of being part of a government". - Yours, etc,
MARTIN RYAN, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.