Madam, - Bertie Ahern is a pragmatist, but that's how politicians are. While my regard for him has been diluted by his recent obfuscation and possible lies, I try not to lose sight of the bigger picture.
I remember the tributes paid to George Colley after he died. It was said he wanted to be Taoiseach because holding the office would enable him to do things for his country. He did not want power for power's sake, like his divisive and corrupt rival.
I don't claim to know Bertie Ahern's mindset as his career was heading towards the Taoiseach's office, but I can look at what he has done.
He was an experienced and successful negotiator as a minister because he never displayed his own cards. He listened and found consensus between opposing sides. This was not "cute hoorism" or deviousness; it was the talent he brought to the table, and it worked.
Meanwhile, as he succeeded in public life, he was having private difficulties. Unlike businessmen in a tight spot, he wasn't in a position to work harder and make more money.
What happened next was unethical but I don't condemn him for taking "dig-outs" (His pragmatic decision to allow US military use of Shannon Airport was far more unethical, but that's another letter.) Aware of his own worth and previous accomplishments, Bertie would have known that he still had a lot to offer his country. In due course he was a pivotal figure in the Northern Ireland peace process - the culmination of his proven negotiating capabilities.
Over the years he had to be hypocritical in the Dáil chamber, but the alternative was to fall on his sword early and accomplish no more. The world stage is peppered with politicians whose moral compasses merely ask will they or won't they be found out. Bertie Ahern is not perfect - and there is a long list of things he and his Government have got wrong or failed to do. But, in the long run, history will be kind to this Taoiseach. - Yours, etc,
ROBERT DUFFY, Woodside, Hacketstown, Co Carlow.
Madam, - We are now witnessing the slow, relentless political torture of Bertie Ahern, which is the equivalent of death by a thousand cuts. Bertie has the proven ability to withstand this, but can we stomach it? - Yours, etc,
JAMES McCUMISKEY, Rosetta Park, Belfast.