Madam, - I wholeheartedly disagree with Patrick O'Brien's contention (June 29th) that Beverley Flynn has the ability to hold ministerial office.
I do not think that any citizen who refuses to see the link between paying tax and receiving a government salary is a fit candidate for public office.
Where does she think money comes from for such things as Dáil and ministerial salaries - never mind schools or hospitals.
She knows, and I know, that the money comes from the eejits in this country ( myself included) who believe it is both their duty and privilege to pay taxes for public services, and TV licence fees to support RTÉ. - Yours, etc,
MARIE HUMPHRIES, Wigan Road, Dublin 9.
Madam, - At last Patrick O'Brien (June 29th) introduces some rational debate regarding Beverley Flynn's settlement with RTÉ. However, she should not be unduly worried. After all, look how well the Taoiseach did out of his vilification in The Irish Times. - Yours, etc,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.
Madam, - Is it not important that all the facts regarding this matter be brought into the public domain without delay? We have the information about Ms Flynn's settlement with RTÉ. All we require now are the details of RTÉ's settlement with its legal team in this matter. When these are made clear, the actual cost incurred can be evaluated. It is in everyone's interest, not least RTÉ's, that this be done without delay. - Yours, etc,
PADRAIG O'ROURKE, Stockton Lawn, Castleknock, Dublin 15.
Madam, - Two points are worth making about the perceived dig-out by proxy afforded by the licence-payers to Beverley Flynn.
Firstly, if Ms Flynn had been declared bankrupt, the licence-payers would be considerably worse off as RTÉ would have got nothing.
Secondly, for those concerned about licence fee accountability, such ire would be better directed at RTÉ's continued spending on embarrassingly mediocre TV programmes such as The State of Us, Celebrity Jigs 'n' Reels, and Saturday Night with Miriam. Who is responsible for commissioning such drivel? - Yours, etc,
ULTAN Ó BROIN, South Circular Road, Dublin 8.