Our no-nonsense Taoiseach, the scourge of the Israeli Defence Forces and Ivor Callely, cut a rather vigorous dash this week. What clarity of thought and surety of purpose! Perhaps some of us, with a slight tendency toward cynicism, have gotten a little egg on our faces for doubting Brian?

Since he is now writing to alleged wrongdoers in his new 'man-of steel' way, and asking them to transparently account for their possible mis-spending of state resources, he might consider writing a demanding letter to Brian Lenihan TD. He could begin the letter by asking him to explain precisely why we have just spent another €2bn on Anglo Irish Bank. Maybe, then, he could point out, just to be helpful,

"Did you know, Brian, that you would need to have 25,000 Ivor Callelys submitting an €80,000 expenses claim to reach the figure we gave away to Anglo Irish Bank this week? In fact, you would need over 250,000 Ivor Callelys' submitting an €80,000 expenses claim to reach the final figure we are giving way to sort out Seanie's dodgy bank. Imagine that Brian? People could be forgiven for thinking we had our priorities deliberately askew. It's just as well that just enough of the stupid fools (sorry voters) are more wrapped up in flee-sized scandals, and unable to see the galaxy-sized scandal that you and I are responsible for."

I know the Taoiseach will not find such an enquiry as pulsating as perhaps, threatening the Israelis or kicking Ivor Callely around, but some of us, the cynical tendency, can't help wondering why Brian is so worked up about distracting fluff like Callely, and our total and complete inability to influence Israeli foreign policy, when we have enough economic terrorism going on at home to keep us occupied for 80,000 years.

In defence of Ivor, and I say this through gritted teeth, there is a chance that he spent his expenses money in this country, on petrol, electricity (in all his houses), and other goods and services provided by Irish businesses. How much of this week's €2bn, or the €22bn we will ultimately give to Anglo, will be spent here on Irish goods and services?

Declan Doyle,

Kilkenny