Madam, - Would it be too much to ask the Opposition to deal in hard facts rather than mere speculation? Their allegations overflow the bounds of decency. Their negative responses reinforce the view that their argument is devoid of anything positive.
This Government is comprised of sensible men and women setting out to achieve fundamental reforms, who are not confined to any political straight-jackets. Labour's health spokeswomen, Liz McManus and Fine Gael's health spokeswoman, Olivia Mitchell, claim the National Health Strategy "has been jettisoned". The Opposition has accused the Government of deceit and evasion, of undermining faith in the political system and fuelling public cynicism about politics.
But we are faced today with serious choices and with grave responsibility. To these issues there are no shortcuts. No one group holds a monopoly on the subject of economic policy.
But, it would be utter folly for us to ignore the ramifications that will follow if we don't get our economy into shape, and in the past there was certain reticence in this regard for fear of being misunderstood.
I maintain that is a luxury long since past and the time now has arrived for everyone to stand up and be counted. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL J. STOKES, Willington Green, Templeogue, Dublin 6.