Sir, - I just read Paschal Donohoe’s review of Mariana Mazzucato’s latest book, The Common Good Economy: A New Compass (“An elegant examination of the direction we want states to sail in”, Ticket, Book Reviews, July 18th).The gist of the review follows a similar pattern to other reviews by the former minster for finance of the many recent books on how government might better serve the longer-term interests of their citizens, which is lovely in theory but it can never be made to work in the cold light of political realities.In other words, I would love to make the changes recommended by “economist X” but the market would never let me. Or the voters would never vote for it!Can you maybe find another economist to review such books? One that doesn’t feel the need to always, always let our politicians off the hook. I am getting so tired of this! – Yours, etc, JOHN DRINANE,Highfield Downs, Swords,Co Dublin.Sir, – Now that Paschal Donohoe has moved on from government office it is perhaps reasonable and even educational that he reviews books on economics. In his review of The Common Good Economy: A New Compass by Mariana Mazzucato he references the powerful role of government in stimulating economic activity within a state but there is no mention of how that power affects other countries. As one of the world’s largest tax havens, strengthened under Donohoe’s tenure as minister of finance, we have inflicted huge economic damage on many poorer countries while enriching the ultra wealthy. The common good needs to be a global consideration in decision making for the world to move away from poverty and war. – Yours, etc, PAUL CONNOLLY,Cavan.