Sir, – The defenders of Stephen Donnelly’s move to Fianna Fáil miss the central point when they focus on his possible motives and potential for achievement in a large party. His mandate from the electorate at both previous elections was explicitly anti-Fianna Fáil as his now embarrassingly explicit writings clearly prove; he has now joined that party and so has forfeited his mandate and betrayed his voters.
Stephen Donnelly should now step down as a TD and run again as a Fianna Fáil candidate. Of course he will not do this for fear of losing and will instead rely on electoral amnesia, to quote Kathy Sheridan (Opinion & Analysis, February 8th), to keep the seat at the next election. And media outlets wonder why the public is cynical about politics. – Yours, etc,
DONAL McGRATH,
Greystones, Co Wicklow.
Sir, – Sheila Barrett (February 7th) writes that “FF can only be congratulated for swallowing Mr Donnelly’s criticisms in order to secure his abilities”. Cart and horse come to mind.– Yours, etc,
JOHN MURRAY,
Carrigaline, Co Cork.