I have read with interest the comments regarding the merits or otherwise of the Devins and Scanlon resignation. Most people know it's a sham – another stroke. They will be back and the only question remaining is will they seek readmittance to the party two weeks or two months before the next general election. The suspense in the meantime will be excruciating.

However, my bet is that Cowen is not worried in the slightest about their support for the government because he knows the last thing they want is a snap election because they will need time to get their photographs back on the FF posters for the next election.

John Ferry,

Marymount,

Sligo.