In the past powerful government ministers got very obsequious treatment on RTÉ radio and TV programmes. Without fail they got the unchallenged run of the programme to spout government propaganda and do party political broadcasts. When they ran out of steam the interviewer gave them a new lease of life by asking a leading question.

Given that they were interviewing the most powerful politicians in the country, whose decisions were important in determining the future of the country, the least we might have expected was some searching questions.

Instead, the lack of criticism of powerful ministers in the past by many in the media, together with the scoffing dismissal of those who had the temerity to criticise, has led us to the present serious situation in which the future financial health of the country is being questioned.

The sense of entitlement of powerful ministers,who expected to be kowtowed to is epitomised by the view taken by former minister McDowell who was "appalled" that his former colleagues did not receive what he considered due deference in the media [Michael Clifford, 30 May]. This view was echoed on the same day by Shane Coleman.

Surely the media have learned enough not to repeat their mistakes of the past of giving the unchallenged run of our radio and TV stations to powerful politicians, whose past disastrous decisions are costing all in this country dearly and will continue to do so for a long time to come.

A Leavy,

Shielmartin Drive,

Sutton, Dublin 13