Fine Gael’s think-in

Sir, – Leo Varadkar's invitation to his Ministers to ask public servants who underperform to move aside is to be welcomed (News, September 18th). Will he do the same with underperforming Ministers? – Yours, etc,

BRIAN GRAHAM,

Baldoyle,

Dublin 13.

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Sir, – Pat Leahy brilliantly describes the "Republic of Opportunity" as a "soundbite in search of a policy" (Analysis, "Varadkar fails to establish a 'Republic of Opportunity'", September 15th).

I suggest that we might all be better off in a less marketable – but more meaningful – “Republic of Outcome”. – Yours, etc,

CORMAC STAUNTON,

Ballinteer,

Dublin 16.

A chara, – As an emigrant aspiring to return to Ireland, Leo Varadkar's recent comments at the Fine Gael think-in came across as a stern warning to stay away ("Budget 2018: Focus is tax cuts for middle class, says Taoiseach", September 14th). I hoped he would talk about giving me the opportunity to return to a republic with enough houses and properly funded public services. However, he did precisely the opposite.

His assurance that “everyone who can should make a contribution and everyone should benefit in return” only guarantees that at least a modicum of tax will keep public services running in some unspecified form. – Is mise,

SEAN ROBERTI,

Luton,

England.