A chara, - "Under our Constitution this is a matter for the people to decide and any sleight of hand in trying to put it through the House would be fundamentally undemocratic.
"I would like a cast-iron pledge from the Government that it will not make any move without first consulting the people in the interest of openness, transparency and accountability".
Thus spoke Bertie Ahern on March 28th 1996 (debate on White Paper on foreign affairs). What has happened in the interim? Mr Ahern has been elected to government on a party manifesto which included the following: "We oppose Irish participation in NATO itself, in NATO-led organisations such as Partnership for Peace".
The arrogance of the man on this issue is staggering. Does he think he can fool all of the people all of the time - or, frankly my dear, does he give a damn?
May I suggest that the heading for this correspondence be changed from "Partnership for Peace" to "Referendum on PFP". Democracy is not being served while the people of this country are being treated with contempt. - Is mise.,
Maura Harrington, Doohoma, Ballina, Co Mayo.