THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT APPEARS to me that the woes of Mr. Seaga's companies have now left him with no option but to bow out gracefully. To do this now would be of great value to the country as it would assist in setting a pattern of behaviour for those who desire public office.
It would be an act of statesmanship and would operate as a public and practical endorsement of the principle that one's personal affairs ought never to conflict with one's public duties and that where such conflict does arise then one must of necessity withdraw from public office.
Granted, there are many in the government who ought to have resigned for one reason or another, but it is obvious that we cannot look to the present government to set examples in this area. It is the Opposition, as the government-in-waiting, who needs to set an example and so assure us potential voters that they understand the principles of accountability and responsibility.
My position has nothing to do with Mr. Seaga's capabilities as a leader - that is not the point. The operative principle is that the debts pose a conflict with the exercise of his public duties. Therefore, out of a sense of duty Mr. Seaga needs to make that very painful - but morally right - decision to resign as Leader of the Opposition.
I am, etc.,
S. RICHARDS
Ruthven Road
Kingston 10
