The first part of his opinion is 100% correct. However, I would disagree with his view on Ireland. While we have the ability to follow Mr. Higgins’ suggestions, we have consistently chosen not to do so. We supported the invasion of Iraq as advocated by George W. Bush and Tony Blair. We talk about supporting the Palestinian people, but we have yet to take concrete action by having both houses of the Oireachtas recognize their state’s existence. We hide behind the idea of seeking an EU solution for Palestine, while using the Palestinian issue as part of our argument for serving on the UN Security Council. We have failed to use our voice effectively. The fact that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste were in New York at the United Nations this week has just as much to do with political status and upcoming elections as it does with addressing the struggles of other nations.
John Cuffe, Co Meath
The protests on Kildare Street were disgraceful, but they should not be seen as a dark day for democracy as your editorial suggests (‘Bullies must never be allowed to threaten democratic process’, Irish Independent, September 22). Protecting democracy and democratic values, including peaceful protesting, should always be a priority in a democratic society. While it is easy to be pulled down to the level of random malcontents and petty tyrants, we must remember that they do not represent the majority. We need to focus on changing the minds of those among the protesters who can be swayed by our values and ways. Bullies will always exist and threaten the democratic process, but it is the enduring value of democracy that it can withstand anarchy without stooping to their level. Peaceful protesting outside Dáil Éireann should be regarded as sacred.
It all comes down to maintaining law and order on our streets. I recall being among the English football hooligans at the infamous match at Lansdowne Road in 1995. I mustered the courage to confront them, while fearing for my life, and was relieved to see the gardaí step in and restore order. But does this mean the bully won or was it democracy protecting itself? It’s a fine line.
While I agree that the scenes on Kildare Street were unacceptable, I do not believe it signifies a dark day for our democracy.
Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
I was thrilled to read Ann Marie Hourihane’s comment that RTÉ’s The Nine O’Clock Show provided “perfect radio” (Review – September 16). I texted Maura Derrane to wish her well on her first morning on radio, and she kindly read out my message. She truly comes across as a wonderful person. Congratulations, Maura!
Brian McDevitt, Glenties, Co Donegal
The current wavering support from Poland for Ukraine is concerning. Add to that Turkish president Recep Erdogan’s recent statement expressing greater trust in Russia than in the West, and we can see the fault lines emerging in this war-torn region. It is troubling when two NATO members play politics with the lives of innocent Ukrainians. Ukraine receives inadequate support in terms of arms and rhetoric, leaving its people in a perpetual state of suffering. If this lack of support indicates a decline in backing for Ukrainian democracy, then it is essential that tactical nuclear weapons be restored to Ukraine, allowing them to defend their separation from Russia on equal terms.
Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin 24
In a letter to the editor, Thomas Garvey suggests a merger between the Labour Party and the Social Democrats, proposing names such as the Social Democratic Labour Party or the Labour Social Democrats. He humorously suggests that the latter name, abbreviated to LSD, might be addictive.
Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway
I believe that the Garda Representatives Association’s vote of no confidence in Commissioner Drew Harris was unjustified. It seemed extreme to resort to such tactics unless Commissioner Harris was entirely inflexible regarding the roster controversy. However, it was revealed that discussions had taken place over a three-year period. When no agreement was reached, Commissioner Harris referred the GRA to the WRC. Despite fighting for access to the WRC, the GRA refused to utilize it. It appears that the GRA was determined to assert their right to the Covid roster. Nonetheless, resorting to a ballot to undermine the authority of the commissioner seems unwarranted from a representative body within a disciplined force.
Dónal Ó hÉalaithe, address with editor
The recent deaths of Monsignor Breandán Ó Doibhlin and RnaG broadcaster Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí are not only a loss for the preservation and promotion of the Irish language but also for those of us who dream of a truly bilingual nation. Both were giants in the Irish language movement, with Ó Doibhlin being a prominent scholar and writer, and Mac Aodha Bhuí an inspiring broadcaster and language activist. It is ironic that these figures barely made an impact in English-speaking Ireland, highlighting the divide between the two Irelands and the ongoing challenge of achieving genuine bilingualism on the island.
John Glennon, Hollywood, Co Wicklow
I heard Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue state at the National Ploughing Championships that farmers have made significant improvements in water quality leaving their farms. This is a fact. However, it is also true that the EPA indicates water quality is deteriorating. If this is the case, it is clear that farmers are not responsible for this decline.
It is unfair to constantly blame farmers for everything disliked by politicians, climate groups, and many urban dwellers. Farmers in Ireland are producing high-quality, nutritious food with the lowest carbon footprint in Europe for the benefit of all, both locally and globally. It was our agricultural exports that helped Ireland recover after the last financial crisis. We should appreciate that our climate is ideal for grass growth, allowing us to produce the most nutritious, low carbon-footprint food in Europe. In the name of climate action, let us congratulate and encourage our farmers to produce even more.
David Thompson, Cappamore, Co Limerick
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