Expansion of the European Union: A Worthwhile Endeavor?
In support of the stance taken by the Commission president, the Irish Independent emphasizes the need for new member states, regardless of their political leanings. However, this argument lacks a coherent foundation. Let’s consider a scenario where size and weight are supposed to matter. If we compare the populations of the United States (332 million) and Russia (143 million) to the European Union (448 million), it becomes clear that population size alone is not a determining factor.
Based on the reasoning of Ms. von der Leyen and the Irish Independent, both the US and Russia should urgently focus on expanding their populations. If they don’t, they might face serious consequences. But if size is indeed crucial, then we must address the notable absence of analysis or reference to the recent decoupling of the UK (with a population of 67 million) from the EU.
Why should we continue expanding the EU when a valuable, large, developed, and longstanding member like the UK has chosen to break away? Instead of overlooking the UK’s departure and blindly considering further expansion, we should confront the causes and implications of this event. It is crucial to understand why the UK left, especially for the EU and, more specifically, Ireland.
Ignoring the issue of the UK’s departure and proceeding with the expansion of EU membership is akin to sailing blindfolded and relying solely on hope. Before any further expansion, we must address the UK’s departure head on. We need to explore and understand the reasons behind it, rather than turning a blind eye and risking the future of the EU. The UK’s exit serves as a significant milestone that requires careful consideration before embarking on expansion efforts.
– Micheal O’Cathail, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Targeting Young Male Speedsters to Combat Speeding
For decades, it has been widely known that young males driven by testosterone are responsible for a majority of speeding incidents on our roads. However, we seem to overlook this fact when we design campaigns that have little impact on these young male drivers, who perceive speeding as an act of bravado.
It’s time to change our approach and focus on shaping the perceptions of women towards young male speedsters. We need to work on portraying these drivers as immature idiots in the eyes of women. By doing so, we can achieve greater effectiveness in reducing speeding incidents among this cohort.
One approach could be to introduce anti-speed campaigns in schools, particularly targeting young girls. If young males believe that their speeding habits make them appear as immature idiots in the eyes of the opposite sex, we might have a better chance at curbing their behavior. Rather than attempting to convince them of their mortality, we should emphasize the negative social image associated with speeding.
– Anthony McGeough, Dublin 24
Challenging the Justification of Mass Murders by Sinn Féin
In response to my previous letter on Sinn Féin’s attitude towards and justification of mass murder, a rebuttal resorting to classic Irish “whataboutery” was put forward (‘No one political party has monopoly on murder and mayhem over the years’, Letters, September 16). The respondent attempted to justify Sinn Féin’s acceptance of the mass murder of civilians by accusing other political parties in Ireland of allowing various societal ills.
While it is true that Irish governments have allowed negative events to occur, such as the industrial schools system, corporal punishment, child sexual abuse, forced emigration, and garda brutality, there is one crucial difference. No Irish government or political party in power has ever claimed that these actions were “justified” or “had no alternative,” unlike Sinn Féin which not only accepts but celebrates the mass murder of civilians.
Sinn Féin proudly defends the bombings of pubs and the killing of innocent children. But the truth remains that there was an alternative to these horrific acts. Sinn Féin could have chosen not to murder hundreds of civilians.
Until Sinn Féin acknowledges this simple fact and distances itself from murderers, it is not suitable for governance. It is a stain on the history of Ireland, no different from groups like the UVF.
– Hugh Sheehy, Dublin 4
Refusing to Support Seán Quinn’s Book After the Financial Consequences Imposed
Since the financial crash of 2008, my daughter has grown from being a four-year-old to a 17-year-old who recently passed her driving test. However, like all young drivers, she has been burdened with exorbitant car insurance costs, exacerbated by the 2% levy imposed to bail out Quinn Insurance.
It is estimated that she will be 33 years old before this levy is lifted. As her parents, we have also been paying this levy on our motor and home insurance since 2012, just like every other motorist and householder in the country. We continue to bear the costs of bailing out the banks, including Anglo Irish Bank.
Given these circumstances, I have no intention of purchasing Seán Quinn’s book. He has already inflicted enough financial burdens on me and countless others.
– Bernie Linnane, Dromahair, Co Leitrim
Urgent Action Needed to Address Underreported Grassland Emissions
I am writing to express my concern about Ireland’s recent revelation: the underreporting of greenhouse gas emissions from our grasslands. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action discovered that Ireland has been using a generic standard to assess these emissions, while forestry and other agricultural activities have been thoroughly assessed using specific criteria.
This underreporting has the potential to greatly impact Ireland’s climate targets, as nitrous oxide emitted from nitrogen fertilizers is a potent greenhouse gas, 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. The use of nitrogen fertilizers on grasslands can increase nitrous oxide emissions by up to 50%. With grasslands covering 4.1 million hectares in Ireland, the cumulative effect of underreporting emissions is significant.
Interestingly, protests by farmers are currently centered around a 12% reduction in permitted nitrogen fertilizer derogation due to its negative impact on water quality. However, the severe underreporting of emissions from grasslands poses a much greater threat.
In 2007, a study conducted by Frank O’Mara, the current head of Teagasc, examined the impact of shifting grassland emissions accounting from one tier to another. This study revealed that emissions were substantially higher under the new tier. The authors concluded that further data from long-term monitoring studies were required. This evidence clearly shows that Ireland has knowingly been underreporting grassland emissions for many years.
I urge you to raise awareness of this critical issue and the urgent need for action, as the consequences of underreporting are far-reaching.
– Tony Lowes, Friends of the Irish Environment
Bringing Back Moving Statues: A Nostalgic Necessity
With Nasa taking UFOs seriously and Nessie making a comeback, it’s the perfect time to revive the moving statues phenomenon. Let’s bring back the excitement and intrigue associated with these mysterious occurrences.
– Michael Foley, Rathmines, Dublin 6
Irish Real-Life Dramas: Gilligan, Quinn, and the RTÉ Fiasco
Who needs soap operas when we have the real-life dramas unfolding in Ireland? It started with the Oireachtas hearings uncovering financial mismanagement at RTÉ. Then, we had “Confessions of a Crime Boss” featuring John Gilligan. Now, Seán Quinn has released “In My Own Words.” The local news provides all the entertainment we need.
– Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Galway
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