What has McDowell ever done for Ireland?

CAN somebody please enlighten me as to what exactly it is that Justice Minister Michael McDowell is so convinced he has done for this country?

Maybe my memory is as faulty as that of his coalition partners at the tribunals, but since his intemperate, egotistical tirade, I have wracked my meagre brain for any trace of these monumental achievements of his that have transformed the Irish State.

All that comes up are that he and his PD party have kept Fianna Fáil in power unconditionally, despite several corruption allegations.

To be fair, I was tempted to give him credit for holding the line against Sinn Féin and the IRA, but his willingness to release the killers of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe, and his willingness last year to issue presidential pardons, no less, to the 'on the runs' undermine his so-called crusade to protect the sovereignty of this nation.

I also remember Mr McDowell once telling Padraig Flynn that, minister and all as he was, he should get some manners.

Well, et tu Michael? Please put away those anger pills.

Anthony Maguire

Millstreet Road

Macroom

Co Cork