Madam, - The near-panic that erupted here in Waterford in recent days at the prospect of Martin Cullen losing his Cabinet position, and the collective sigh of relief that followed, reflect a lack of confidence in our system of democracy. We evidently believe that all those TDs we elect to represent us only become effective if they reach the Cabinet table.
Conversely, how can Cabinet Ministers serve the country if they are still tethered to the parish pump? - Yours, etc.,
AIDAN FINNEGAN, Whitestown, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Waterford.
Madam, - The Standards in Public Office Commission did not find "that there are no grounds for an investigation", as claimed by the Minister. The Commission added the critical qualification "within the terms of the legislation in question".
In other words, the Minister was cleared on a technicality. - Yours etc.,
BRENDAN BURKE, Malahide, Co Dublin.