Letters: The Triple Lock does not make us more democratic, it actually diminishes us

Irish Independent

20 hours ago

Leaving judgment on the integrity and morality of our aspirant humanitarian operations to the whims of the permanent members of the security council through our Triple Lock policy seriously diminishes our democracy, in my view.
When one observes Donald Trump's America and how it is conducting its politics with regard to Gaza and Ukraine, in particular, we must now add the US to China and Russia, in terms of countries that merit no influence whatsoever on our decisions with regard to our military deployments.
The reality of Triple Lock in terms of our neutrality and democracy fades into utter insignificance when weighed against our integrity and ability to stand up with compassion for the freedom and sustenance of 'our fellow man'.
Michael Gannon, Saint Thomas Square, Kilkenny
Well done, Kris Jenner, for your costly looks, let's hope the insides work as well
Regarding your article ''I love to see people's reactions when I tell them how old I am,' Kris Jenner's neck lift sparks surge of interest among Irish women' (Sunday Independent, July 20), I think that while it's great to look good, Kris's remarks remind me of an old banger of a car I once had.
I got it totally re-sprayed and it looked really good – unfortunately the engine blew out a short time later.
The moral of my story is look after your inner health and grow old gracefully.
Seamus McLoughlin, Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim
Our children are exposed to the adult world far too early and it damages them
Will children and young teens ever be allowed to have a childhood again?
CMAT's forthcoming song Euro-Country highlights the stress and anxiety of young people who grew up during the last recession endured.
I grew up in the 80s, at a time when money was tight and job losses occurred regularly.
Like most children of that era, I received a treat on a Sunday and hand-me-down clothes from cousins.
But as I marked off each passing milestone of youth, I did so with little knowledge as to what was going on around me. Because I was immersed in childhood.
My generation was sheltered from adult talk, with adults whispering their worries, insistent upon keeping such tales from children's ears.
My friends and I didn't have 24/7 access to politics and news and were oblivious to the intricate details of the goings on in the world.
We were allowed and encouraged to be children.
Today smartphones bring a constant barrage of news to young people's attention, as they attempt to traverse their own world, the real world, an online world and a world far beyond these shores.
How and when are they supposed to be children?
Marie Hanna Curran, Ballinasloe, Co Galway
Tyrone McKenna keeps honourable tradition of fighting Irish alive in Gaza
Long has Ireland, the North and Belfast in particular had a rich history of fighting pride.
Legends like Rinty Monaghan and Hugh Russell paved the way for world champions like McCullough, Barnett, Frampton and Cacace.
Heroes like McCarthy, Eamon and Brian Magee, the Conlans and Paddy Barnes broke the mould. Sean McComb is a world champion robbed of his belt.
Volunteering to help children in an active war zone is not a natural reaction, especially when you have two at home. Risking your livelihood and legacy does not come naturally to any sportsperson, let alone someone in the twilight of their career.
Tyrone McKenna has honoured the rich tradition of Belfast fighters, entertaining every single time he has graced the squared circle. He has never backed down and has been gracious in victory and defeat.
This week he epitomised the spirit of the fighting Irish by flying to the illegally occupied West Bank to volunteer at the Aclai Palestine boxing gym to raise much needed funds.
He's doing it because he believes it's right.
Eamonn Brady, Lurgan, Co Armagh
When this many cannot pay for electricity or heat, the budget needs to step in
The cost-of-living crisis was the biggest single issue during the general election campaign.
In the Dáil's last day before summer recess, there was palpable disagreement about how best to tackle this same issue.
At Leaders' Questions, the Government's decision to rule out another support package in the budget was not for relenting. Since January, an extra 64,000 people couldn't pay their electricity bills.
That means for the first time that we have circa 300,000 households that cannot pay for their electricity. We have circa 175,000 that can't pay for heating. I believe that there does need to be a cost of living package in this year's budget.
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
What has Israel achieved other than filling the ranks of Islamic armies?
The attack on a Catholic church in Gaza shows an Israeli military out of control, not just because of this attack, but because of their overall mission in Gaza that has left tens of thousands of people dead, injured and suffering starvation.
Where is the morality in what they are doing and what have they achieved other than creating an apocalyptic landscape and putting hostage lives at risk and starving the population?
What they have done is harden the attitudes of the outside world while they fill the ranks of extremist Islamist groups in the region.
This insane attack on innocent people, who are caught between Hamas and their fanatical followers, and Netanyahu and his right-wing ideologues, both of whom want to wipe out each other, makes one wonder what have they achieved other than death and misery?
What they have achieved, both at home and abroad, is further division between groups of people who at this stage have so much distrust and hatred for each other, that there is very little prospect of bringing peace.
What both sides in this bloody carnage have created is a world where close allies are now also divided and mistrust each other and a lasting legacy of mutual hatred.