What planet does RTÉ live on to justify paying such exorbitant amounts for a run-of-the-mill radio slot? There are countless other programs with the same format on various radio channels, both national and local. It’s no wonder that some members of the public refuse to pay their license fee. A salary cap of €100,000 should be implemented for all RTÉ broadcasters. If they are not satisfied with that, they should move on. There are plenty of talented and eager young individuals who would gladly take their place. No one is irreplaceable. The management at RTÉ seems to be living in a parallel universe. While essential frontline workers like teachers, nurses, guards, and doctors are leaving the country due to low pay in an expensive nation, some people at RTÉ seem to think they are worth more. RTÉ needs to align itself with the rest of the country. If not, it risks being divided into a public-service-broadcasting wing funded by the public and a commercial wing. This would allow the market to determine the salaries of individuals like Tubridy and other “big names.” – Joseph Kiely, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
The number of unpaid TV licenses reveals the public’s true sentiments towards Tubridy and RTÉ. While Tubridy may still be considered popular, a more measurable indicator of his popularity can be found in the number of unpaid TV licenses since the RTÉ controversy emerged. – Raymond Kirby, address with editor.
It’s disheartening to see that a government that includes the Green Party does not prioritize the conservation of our dwindling wildlife heritage. Despite making some progress in the fight against climate change and other threats to Ireland’s biodiversity, politicians seem unable to take action to protect an iconic mammal celebrated in song and legend. The Irish hare, a unique sub-species of the mountain hare found only in Ireland, is on the brink of extinction. Its population has been declining for the past half-century. Take, for instance, North Bull Island, which used to be teeming with hares and was a major attraction for tourists and the environment. Now, there are no hares left on the island, and nothing has been done to address this ecological catastrophe. – John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co Kilkenny.
Michael Parkinson, who recently passed away, was not only an interviewer of movie stars but someone who transported viewers into their world. He helped me escape my troubles by introducing me to the dream world of talented actors and actresses such as James Cagney, Fred Astaire, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and James Stewart. Rest in peace, Parky – I adored your chat shows. – Brian McDevitt, Glenties, Co Donegal.
It seems that Gavin Coombes will narrowly miss out on a place at the World Cup, despite Jack Conan’s nearing full fitness. With our depth in the back-row department, Coombes is overlooked due to his perceived suitability only as a number 8. It’s a shame, but his time will come. Coombes is not alone – several other skilled back-row forwards won’t be going to France. This only goes to show the strength of Irish rugby. – David Ryan, Co Meath.
In light of the recent surge in violent attacks across the country, it’s time for the government to step in and protect its citizens and visitors. People are being assaulted on main streets by individuals who show no regard for others and feel free to harm anyone they please. The solution seems obvious. If there aren’t enough police officers on the ground, which is undoubtedly the case, the Defense Minister should consider deploying the Irish Army effectively. As of February last year, there are 7,764 personnel in the Defense Forces, including 6,305 in the army, 704 in the air corps, and 755 in the naval service. The Defense Forces have several functions, including defending the state against armed attacks, assisting the police in maintaining internal security, participating in peacekeeping and humanitarian relief efforts, and performing other civil contingency duties requested by the government. Given points 2 and 4 of their functions, there is plenty of room for the government to involve the Army in supporting the police. Ireland is not under any threat of attack, so why can’t the armed forces be utilized more effectively to protect its citizens? The minister should optimize the state’s assets to crack down on this violence and ensure the safety of everyone in the country. – Mike Geraghty, Upper Newcastle, Galway.
The recent instance of deploying the police force at short notice to protect a few ATMs from the public highlights a flawed system. It’s a shame that they couldn’t be called upon when the banks were taking advantage of the public prior to the financial crash. The big question is, who made the call to the police, and who in the police force made the necessary deployments? – Liam Power, Dundalk, Co Louth.
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