During my postgraduate economics course in The Hague in 1969/’70, I had the privilege of being a guest at the Royal Palace in The Hague, thanks to the graciousness of Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands. It was a remarkable experience to be welcomed into such a prestigious location. It’s worth mentioning that the Palace is also the birthplace of King William (Billy). The group of postgraduate foreign students who attended were a diverse mix of individuals, each with our own unique backgrounds. Despite our differences, we were all made to feel incredibly welcome during our stay.
Reflecting on my time in The Hague, I have fond memories of witnessing the vibrant and vibrant “Orange” parades that were celebrated by the Dutch people. It never occurred to me that these celebrations were a desperate attempt to cling to a bygone era. To me, it seemed like a genuine honor and celebration of the Dutch royal family.
Micheal O Cathail, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
When discussing the potential reformation of the TV licence fee, the idea of collecting it through revenue is simply outrageous. It’s disheartening to see that, once again, the burden is being placed on the hardworking PAYE workers. While those on social welfare are exempt from paying the fee, it should be applied to all other individuals receiving social welfare benefits. Of course, it makes sense to provide pensioners with a free TV licence, but the rest of the social welfare recipients should contribute.
Personally, I have reservations about the fee in general, as we already pay for services like Sky. It would be beneficial to follow the lead of other countries that have done away with the fee altogether.
John Maher, address with Editor
Delusion appears to be growing in Westminster, especially as the British economy continues to shrink. The politicians there seem to have a talent for celebrating disasters. From the triumph of Dunkirk to the ongoing chaos of Brexit, they always find a way to put a positive spin on things. However, it’s important to note that leaving the EU has already caused the British economy to decline by more than 5%. It seems they conveniently forget to mention the negative consequences of their decisions.
Don’t mention the B-word!
David Ryan, Co Meath
Seeing Eileen Walsh’s statement, “Men can be pretty disgusting,” prominently displayed on the cover of Saturday’s Weekend Magazine was disheartening. It seemed like a deliberate attempt to target a specific audience. Even adding “some men” to the statement would have made it more inclusive. Better yet, if she had used the more enlightened phrase “some people,” it would have garnered more attention. As an actor, Walsh should understand the power of words and the importance of being mindful of our language.
Jim O’Sullivan, Co Sligo
Our CO2 emissions for 2022 only decreased by a mere 1.9%, which is far from satisfactory. It’s time for the entire population of Ireland to reassess our actions and strive for a more sustainable future. While many individuals are already doing their part, there are still many who refuse to change their habits, perhaps as a coping mechanism. It’s crucial for us to acknowledge the very real threat our future generations face in terms of flooding, fires, and extreme heatwaves. We must face the facts and prioritize immediate change.
The first step in this change is shifting our consumer mindset. Instead of asking how a purchase will affect our wallets, we should be considering its impact on the environment. If everyone adopted this perspective, the pace of change would accelerate. Remember, we hold the power, not the glossy advertisements.
Marie Hanna Curran, Co Galway
The recent RTÉ Investigates program shedding light on ‘Dairy’s Dirty Secret’ and Fran McNulty’s investigation into live calf exports was truly distressing. The program followed the journey of calves being transported from Ireland to veal production units in Spain, a grueling two and a half-day journey. The abuses inflicted on these animals throughout the process were shocking, and it was disheartening to see that the Department of Agriculture, responsible for farm animal welfare, was not adequately involved.
It’s difficult to believe that there can be any meaningful improvements to animal welfare within the live calf export trade. It is a broken system that should be banned, as it has been in Scotland and elsewhere. While alternative approaches such as sexed semen, euthanasia at birth, and abattoir slaughter of unwanted calves may not be perfect, they are still preferable to the current live calf export trade.
Simply making minor adjustments and initiating prosecutions falls far short of what is acceptable in Ireland in 2023. It’s time to ban the live calf export trade before it tarnishes Ireland’s reputation as a clean and environmentally conscious producer of quality food.
Angela Anthony, Co Kilkenny
Congratulations to Daithí the dog for successfully sniffing out the drugs haul in Wexford. Treats and toys are definitely in order to celebrate such an achievement!
Noel Kelly, Co Clare
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