Madam, - Charlie McCreevey is no ordinary gambler. He is up there with the best. That's why he was able to confidently announce the move to decentralise 10,000 civil and public servants to the four corners of Ireland. Having read your Editorial of March 1st, it is easy enough to see how his gambling instincts came into play.
1. What are the odds on the full implementation of decentralisation - ever?
2. What were the odds on senior grade civil servants putting a stop to it?
3. Who will be blamed for its failure?
4. Who will look good for attempting to implement it?
Game, set and match to an accomplished gambler. - Yours, etc.,
NIALL GINTY, The Demesne, Howth Road, Dublin 5.
Madam, - While I accept that politicians may have reintroduced decentralisation for purely political reasons, the country could benefit. Since the foundation of the State the civil service has been concentrated in Dublin. There is no doubt that Ministers must have their offices near Dáil Éireann but their departments, including policy sections, could be located anywhere in the country.
Dublin will continue to grow irrespective of decentralisation. The movement of 10,000 civil servants away from Dublin could assist the economic development of rural locations. Even limited development must be better than stagnation. If the State consists of 26 counties, then civil servants need to be more visible in all areas of the State. - Yours, etc.,
Dr BRIAN P. McARDLE, Oak Road, Newbridge, Co Kildare.