The media has a right to ask questions, Clare

IT was interesting to hear Clare Daly yesterday defend the hiring of Mick Wallace’s son as her assistant in the European Parliament.

Ms Daly – who, like Mick Wallace is a member of the Independents4Change party – said that Fionn Wallace was a ‘first class’ honours graduate with a ‘great’ research track record.

I have no doubt that Fionn Wallace is, indeed, a great asset to her, and – to be frank – I wouldn’t have a huge problem with anyone hiring someone they specifically want for a designated role. Horses for courses, and all that. What I do have a problem with is Ms Daly saying on her Facebook page that she finds it ‘disappointing that “journalists” who have taken no interest in the political issues raised by us in the European Parliament this week have put together a sensational nonstory about one of my staff members’.

Ms Daly would do well to remember that the electorate put her in Europe not just on the strength of her policies, but on the basis of her perceived integrity.

Anything that smacks of possible nepotism – such as the hiring of a colleague’s relative – must always be questioned.

I’m not suggesting that this was nepotism, but Ms Daly is around long enough to remember the bad old days of ‘jobs for the boys’ in Irish politics.

She has fought long and hard against the ‘ancien regime’, so her attitude in this instance is a bit perplexing.

Ms Daly should stop whining about people legitimately questioning her hiring decision.

She should just clarify it for us, and move on.

Otherwise, she runs the risk of being called a hypocrite – something I am sure she is not. DARAGH REDMOND, by email.

HSE’S biggest earners

THE restructuring back to six regional area boards within the HSE will do nothing to improve patient care and home health services.

The elephant in the room is the layers of senior management earning over €100,000 with no accountability to deliver frontline services.

Let’s hope that the new head of the HSE, Paul Reid, will seriously investigate and correct these deficiencies as priority before any restructuring takes place. PÁDRAIG Ó DONNCHA,

by email.

Turning back the clock

SO, Irish politicians want to retain British Summer Time in the event of Brexit, as they are very concerned about the possible one hour time difference crossing from the Republic into Northern Ireland.

Perhaps they should be more worried about the likelihood of there being a 30-year leap backwards. LIAM POWER, Dundalk.

Grace was a real star

IT was so sad to hear of the passing of our favourite comedian and singer Brendan Grace.

He was such a talent; a gentleman and loving family man.

You can say that he was a part of all our families.

My late wife Gina loved his gifted stand-up talent.

She would say that Brendan didn’t even have to open his mouth.

He will be sadly missed and will never be forgotten.

He’s up there now with the other stars. ‘TONY’, Co. Cork