Madam, - Gary King (May 27th) points out that after each coalition the Labour Party lost votes. But the loss of votes was catastrophic only once, in 1997.
In 1992 there was a huge increase in the Labour vote by many who saw a possible real alternative to Fianna Fáil. By his short-lived coalition with Fianna Fail, Dick Spring threw away these new votes - he was seen as just a new prop for the same old crowd. It was one of his few political mistakes.
Fine Gael may not be the best of bedmates, but it's better than a cold bed. I had better make it clear that 1992 was not the first time I voted Labour, nor has it been the last. - Yours, etc,
JOSS LYNAM,
Ardilea Estate,
Dublin 14.
Madam, - Those disappointed by the Labour Party's decision to campaign for a Fine Gael-led government at the next general election should take heart. This time the party has sold out before the election and now we all know where we stand. - Yours, etc,
HUGH MANNION,
Stanhope Street,
Dublin 7.