Madam,- May I respond to Mark Wakefield's comments regarding the future of the Progressive Democrats (January 3rd)?
After the disappointment the party suffered last May, we are going through a period of reflection which involves a thorough review of party policy and image. A party revamp and policy review takes time and is important to get right. By the next election the party will be all the stronger for the time it has invested in this process. This period will represent little more than a historical footnote.
The election of a leader without a clear direction would undermine his or her credibility and leadership. A new leader will emerge as soon as this process is complete.
The PDs are one of the most successful small parties in Europe and have successfully implemented social and economic policy throughout their history. Much of this is policy is now mainstream, emulated by other parties in order to remain credible in the eyes of the voting public.
The PDs need to focus on what they do best, implementing their policy, while Fine Gael will continue to do what it has being doing for 17 of the last 20 years - whining from the sidelines. - Yours, etc,
DAVID BOYLE,
Headlands,
Sarsfield Road,
Cork.