As if there was the slightest doubt that Fianna Fáil is still as strongly controlled by the spirit of Gubu as the Catholic church is by the ghost of McQuaid, we see it in how Fianna Fáil still refuses to accept that Willie O'Dea did anything wrong.

What is most astounding is that in all the names being mentioned to take his place, not once have I heard the qualifications these people would bring, save for where they live and how it would suit the political interests of Fianna Fáil to appoint them. We keep hearing Limerick has lost its cabinet minister.

Politicians from Limerick, or anywhere else, have no right to a cabinet position, and maybe if the people of Limerick paid more notice to the calibre of people they elect in the first place they wouldn't have the social problems they now face. Willie O'Dea apparently canvasses more than any other TD in the country, yet what exactly does he achieve with all this canvassing? Perhaps his time would be better spent providing a solution to the problems of social exclusion he played such a part in creating in the first place.

Is it really such an alien concept to Fianna Fáil to base the appointment of O'Dea's replacement on the person's qualifications and suitability to do the job properly, no matter who they are or where they are from?

Desmond FitzGerald,

Canary Wharf,

London