March turnout beats PD’s election votes

RECENTLY, the Progressive Democrats have begun to press home their right-wing agenda with public attacks on the 100,000 citizens who took part in a peaceful protest.

The Tanaiste accused many of those who took part of being "anti-American". On Monday night the Minister for Justice used his appearance on Questions And Answers to lecture on the importance of supporting the UN.

It also now seems that the Minister for Foreign Affairs believes that to be anti-war on Iraq is to be pro-Saddam Hussein. Ridiculous nonsense from a minister who should know better!

If this Government is really interested in supporting and maintaining the integrity of the UN, it will table a motion seeking to prohibit debate on any further resolution on war with Iraq unless those taking part in a UN debate and particularly those proposing such a motion they will be bound by the outcome of that debate. Failure to do so should lead to expulsion from the UN.

In last year's general election the PDs secured 73,628 first preference votes.

If they ever get a first preference vote that matches the turnout at the march in Dublin, they might be in a better position to question the motives of those who took part.

Brendan Ogle,

Cornamaddy,

Athlone,

Co Westmeath.