MUCH has been written about the largesse of Mr Haughey's heart and how he provided for those in need in the environs of Donnycarney and north Dublin city. This may be so, but I have a different story to tell.

Some time in the early 1990s, before the Celtic Tiger rose from its slumber, things were not going well for me on the home front. I was in a dead-end job, suffering from chronic illhealth and to make matters worse, I was up to my neck in debt. City lights did not appeal to me any more and after much thought and consideration I decided to return to the west of Ireland. Man does not live on scenery alone; he must eat, drink and do other things.

After a lot of thought, I decided to buy a currach and go lobster fishing. Casting an eye around for potential backers, I was immediately struck by Mr Charles J Haughey's love for the sea. Surely such a man with his enormous wealth would not turn me down. I sat myself down, nay, I threw myself at Mr Haughey's mercy and begged for £1,000 to help buy a boat and fishing gear. Then I waited, waylaying the postman for days on end for a letter that never arrived. At last, piqued by rejection I cursed Mr Haughey from a height with dreadful oaths. I hoped that his Celtic Mist yacht would come to a sorry end, that his horse would break a leg, that his mansion would collapse on his head.

Something must have struck home. Glancing at a paper one morning, I saw a picture of Charles J Haughey, badly shaken, wrapped in blankets, in the last throes of hypothermia, that ferocious stare deadened by fear. Charles J Haughey had a narrow escape. His yacht, the Celtic Mist, had struck a rock in a ferocious storm and he had to be airlifted to safety. Was I or was I not responsible for this?

Tempus fugit. Charles J Haughey could not escape the grim reaper and as I watched the pomp and ceremony at his removal, the eulogies, the military bands, the acolytes, I was struck that something was amiss. What was it? Yes! It suddenly dawned on me.

Charles J Haughey should not be interred in Sutton. He should be buried at sea.

Diarmad O Grainne, Mullach na Si, Co Roscomain Full marks to St Columcille's Hospital From F O'Donnell

I WOULD like to say thank you publicly to the staff of St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin for the excellent treatment I received there last week.

From admittance to A&E with a serious condition, I was treated with courtesy, kindness and great personal attention. This helped immensely to reassure both myself and my husband in an anxious situation. The same care and personal attention continued for the duration of my stay in St Joseph's Ward.

Full marks to St Columcille's on every score, including hygiene standards which were strictly adhered to by all categories of staff. All in all, a very positive experience for me.

F O'Donnell, La Touche Park, Greystones, Co Wicklow Clarifying the seventh commandment From William Jones Davies

CHRIS Hanafin is mistaken in his attempt to correct the compiler of Crossword Two in the Tribune Magazine.

The error is with the Roman Catholic institution which has removed the second commandment, and in order to cover up this sinful act, has divided the 10th commandment into two commandments, thus attempting to keep the second commandment from the ordinary people. According to Rome, we now have two commandments for coveting, and no commandment against idolatry. I respectfully urge Mr Hanafin to refer to Exodus 20 (V1-17) to find out what the Lord has given us. Let us all put our trust in the Lord and not in man-made inventions.

William Jones Davies, Dun Mhuire, Ballinacurra Road, Limerick Pro-life referendum needed for road safety From John O'Gorman

THE minister for transport, Martin Cullen, is attempting to introduce further draconian measures to oppress Irish motorists, as previous draconian measures are deemed ineffective. These measures are to be unconstitutionally enforced by the Garda Siochana. Will Minister Cullen and his Fianna Fail colleagues ever learn?

Such measures cannot work.

The only sure way to improve driver behaviour is to show respect for human life.

Government must show this by introducing a Pro-Life Referendum to protect human life from conception to natural death.

John O'Gorman lifejohn@aol. com 'Terry O' brought a flurry of excitement From Keith Nolan

READING Nuala O'Faolain's column on Charlie Haughey and her father Terry O'Sullivan reminded me of the days I used to do some PR photography for various advertising agencies around Dublin. I remember the flurry of excitement if 'Terry O' graced the product launch or company announcement being held at one of the various city centre hotels. The more astute PR men (as they were usually male at the time) discreetly gave a bottle of John Power as a thank you to the diarist.

Not for us mere photographers and PR gurus the luxury of early morning drinking in a city hotel, but to certain pubs down by the Liffey. On occasion the sessions lasted long enough to see the early or country edition of the Evening Press featuring the previous evening's social occasions and to wonder at the renowned columnist's sometimes cryptic remarks about the events he had just attended!

Keith Nolan Caldra House, Caldragh, Carrick~on~Shannon, Co Leitrim Abomination must be stopped From Liam Walsh

SHAME on this government if they, in representing the island of Ireland, have been complicit in the awful practice of kidnap and torture. Because that is what it is, no more, no less.

The perpetrators call it rendition! Kidnapped, blindfolded, transported to an unknown destination. There held against your will. Totally disorientated, unable to avail of your human rights.

Alone, abused, degraded, tortured. That's what the Council of Europe implies our government are party to. This abomination must stop now!

Liam Walsh, Seatown, Dundalk, Co Louth