Your reporter Ellen Coyne rightfully commended the band for their enduring popularity spanning almost six decades (‘Why republicanism is not the reason under-35s might vote for Sinn Féin’ – Weekend Magazine, September 9). I agree with objections to the “up the Ra” chorus in Celtic Symphony, but it’s worth noting that many of their songs predate the Troubles and some even date back to my primary school days. Whether you enjoy their music or not, getting worked up over a few nationalistic ballads that largely reference our own War of Independence is childish. Some people show antagonism towards the Wolfe Tones without any critical appreciation of ballads and traditional music. Ms. Coyne may be correct in asserting a correlation between the rise in Sinn Féin’s popularity and hostility towards the band, but I doubt the Wolfe Tones will be “cancelled” anytime soon. Thomas Cantwell, Rathmines, Dublin 6
The future of ‘The Late Late Show’ seems promising with Patrick Kielty at the helm. Thank you, RTÉ, for injecting an Ulster flavor into the first show and providing a strong replacement to take the show to new heights. Patrick Kielty is the perfect person to build on Ryan Tubridy’s legacy. As one of the almost one million viewers who tuned in last Friday night, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The opening moments were priceless as Kielty mischievously poked fun at Joe Duffy, Tubridy, and RTÉ. Now that he’s cleared the first hurdle, Kielty will surely settle into his new role effortlessly. I had stopped watching ‘The Late Late Show’ long ago due to the condescending pretentiousness of previous presenters, but I wish Patrick Kielty the utmost success. And yes, I will continue to pay my license fee as long as RTÉ takes responsibility for its mistakes and ensures accountability. There are many exceptional employees at RTÉ who deserve job security. James Woods, Co Dún na nGall
It is unfair to single out Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when discussing a united Ireland. Last week, many parties agreed that Varadkar’s response to a question about a united Ireland was “unhelpful.” However, a former President of Ireland made a similar statement on ‘The Late Late Show,’ albeit in a more personal context. In the current political climate, could this be any more helpful? Peter Declan O’Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris deserves our support, especially given the limited resources at his disposal. I am only one voice among many who unanimously support this honorable man. Despite the challenges, Harris has made significant progress in improving the capabilities of our police force. Michael Doyle, Carlingford, Co Louth
Contrary to Tony Lowes’s letter (‘Severe under-reporting of our grassland emissions needs to be addressed’, Letters, September 16), Ireland’s greenhouse gas figures, compiled by the EPA and reported to the EU and UN, are accurate and compliant with legal requirements. Lowes incorrectly claims that nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from fertilizer application to grassland are not included in Ireland’s national greenhouse gas emissions. In reality, these emissions are fully accounted for in the agriculture sector’s emissions inventory. They are not attributed to the Land use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, as Lowes suggests. The EPA compiles N2O emissions from fertilizer application using national statistics and emission factors provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and Teagasc research. The EPA emphasizes that the global warming potential for N2O over a 100-year period is 265, not over 300 as suggested. The LULUCF sector covers emissions related to land management. Dr. Eimear Cotter, EPA director, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford
To reduce traffic congestion and help the environment, I propose a government-sponsored job swap scheme. While driving in heavy traffic on the M18, I noticed heavy traffic going in the opposite direction, filled with people commuting between Clare and Limerick. If employees could swap jobs with someone who has a similar position closer to home, much of this traffic could be alleviated. Though some employers may be reluctant to facilitate this without legislative encouragement, it would be a win-win situation for commuters, congestion, and the environment. John O’Donnell, Quin, Co Clare
The idea of a potential merger between the Social Democrats and Labour conjures echoes of the past. If this were to happen, we might witness the emergence of another SDLP. Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth.
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