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Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Letters: Housing is not as complex as we're led to believe – if focus is taken off wealth
The danger now is that discussion of the issue is stifled by being conducted in the false context that solving the housing shortage is complex. It is no such thing. It requires only that those with their hands on the levers of power approach the issue with the sole focus of ensuring an adequate supply of fit-for-purpose housing, rather than straining every sinew creating and sustaining a source of wealth for the chosen few. Jim O'Sullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo I am risking the wrath of the weather gods – pray for my barbecue hopes I feel I must apologise to the Irish nation in advance. I intend to barbecue tomorrow. I realise this virtually guarantees the immediate collapse of the high-pressure system currently blessing our shores. The gods of weather, as we know, are petty and vindictive, and nothing tempts their wrath quite like the sight of someone confidently wheeling out a barbecue, charcoal at the ready, burgers defrosting, with dangerous optimism. Still, hope springs eternal, and the delicious Armagh delicacy, vegetable roll, is already sitting in the fridge. I ask only for forgiveness – and perhaps a brief, merciful window of sunshine between 1pm and 3pm. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh 'Irish Independent' bang on the money – let's bask in this glorious sunshine Your editorial is spot on ('Make the most of this welcome weather, we don't see it too often', July 11). Even when we see the sunshine, we don't always feel its warmth with that annoying cold east wind that seems to shadow us for most of the year. Sunshine is the best daily medicine for our body, mind and soul. So soak it in to a factor of 50 and let those shadows fall away behind you. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin Daily horrors of corporal punishment in schools must be investigated Education Minister Helen McEntee has announced the establishment of a Commission of Investigation into sexual abuse in all day and boarding schools. I attended Willow Park and Blackrock College as a boarder in the 1960s. Sadly, I experienced many years of physical and mental abuse. It is very disappointing that corporal punishment, suffered by so many in this country, has not been included in this investigation. Any kind of abuse, be it sexual or otherwise, stays with victims for the rest of their lives. Brian McDevitt, Glenties, Co Donegal How dare Netanyahu talk of peace prizes while bombs still being dropped I concur with the gist of your editorial ('Talking about peace prizes as bombs fall is in appalling taste,' July 10) that Benjamin Netanyahu's nomination of Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize is distasteful. Israel has always enacted a system of oppression, colonialism and hegemony in historical Palestine. Its policies were intended to spur territorial fragmentation, segregation, displacement of indigenous people, dispossession of lands and properties and the utter revocation of political, social, cultural, religious and economic rights. Until Israel dismantles its repugnant apartheid system and addresses the underlying causes of this intractable conflict, peace will remain a mirage. Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London Effort that went into the July 12 hate bonfire shows how far we still have to go The time, effort and energy that went into the construction of the bonfire in Moygashel ahead of the commemorations of The Twelfth, as well as the placards and 'migrant boat' on the top, must have been considerable ('Act that fuels racism – outrage as 'migrant boat' placed on top of loyalist bonfire in Co Tyrone', Irish Independent, July 9). It is not the first bonfire controversy, and is unlikely to be the last. One wonders if it is time to bring down peace walls, do away with segregated schooling and deploy a concerted effort at cross-border relationship-building and foster community civic engagement in the true spirit of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement. Stephen O'Hara, Carrowmore, Co Sligo Life is fleeting and time moves fast, so be sure to be present in the moment There is no doubt that life moves pretty fast. If one does not stop and look around once in a while, one could miss it. Someone recently said they were just minding their own business when all of a sudden 1975 was 50 years ago. Even though we are passing through life, we should never stop having fun. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Unbiased reporting on Trump might help build better ties with the US The heading of your editorial of July 4 ('In Trumpian world, our rich ties to US need to be solidified') is somewhat contradicted by the reference in July 8's 'Donald Trump now unhappily president of the US'. Somewhat undiplomatic, don't you think? Of course, it is in line with utterances from our Government and media. All of this doesn't look like consolidating our ties with the US. Generally, is it not time to promote balanced and factual reporting on the US, not dependent on biased reporting constantly lamenting Trump's election? Do we not care enough to seek accommodation rather than confrontation? Mary Stewart, Donegal town Rebel County really likes to slather it on thick, but this takes it to a new level RTÉ says the council is giving out free factor-50 in Cork city parks. We don't want to rub the Rebels up the wrong way, nor do we want them getting any redder.
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Why we shouldn't be pushing Ireland's young people down the academic path
We in Ireland would do well to reflect. When I went to college in Belfast in the 1970s, a lecturer pointed to the grand homes on the Malone Road and said: 'Those are owned by contractors. The ones behind, by teachers, doctors and accountants.' The message was clear. Brains were respected, but bricklaying paid better. Yet we still steer too many down narrow academic paths, underselling apprenticeships and practical trades. Education has its own intrinsic worth, but it's not a guaranteed meal ticket. We should stop pretending it is. Less myth, more realism. Less snobbery, more respect for useful work. It's time for a reset. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Co Armagh Any delay to the usual presidential mud-slinging would be most welcome Media reports say that Fine Gael will likely choose a presidential candidate this week, but will not 'unveil' said person until early September. I should think other candidates will not be likewise 'unveiled' until then, either. Is this late list of 'runners and riders' perhaps a move to prevent the inevitable mud-slinging and worse that we have come to expect from the 'race for the Áras'? Hopefully, and thankfully, it will have the added bonus of protecting us from endless reams and broadcasts in the mainstream media of speculation, especially regarding how much mud will actually 'stick'. Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan An influencer in the Áras would be perfect way to create interest in politics The Irish presidential election is coming up, and there are also rumblings about lowering the voting age. However, younger voters do not necessarily create interested voters. To truly gain the interest of the youth, why not elect an influencer? ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Youth today are tech-obsessed and can barely manage to lift their eyes up from their smartphones. Kids know the difference between a trained pretender 'jumping on the TikTok bandwagon' and a natural influencer. Picture the scene, a photogenic influencer and her family walking up the lawn to move into Áras an Uachtaráin. It would be a setting worthy of any feature or supplement. There would be interest from the political scene, but also from the influencer's fans. It would generate masses of publicity, and it would be a fantastic representation of all that Ireland has to offer. Every Áras engagement would be a fantastic show of fashion and celebrity, with lots of great pictures. This would generate discussion in the media about the presidential influencer and his or her role. The election campaign alone would drive interest among young voters; and once elected, every picture, every event would be explained and analysed in depth by their online followers. It would create and educate the youth about what the president does, how they do it, and the significance of each ceremony. It would also generate income for 'Brand Ireland'. Every costume, suit, dress, piece of jewellery, would be examined in minute detail and drive sales of any Irish fashion pieces. Of course, there's the constitutional duties. These would be held up as the main argument against having an influencer as president. However, these constitutional powers are very limited. They include appointing a taoiseach, but, the word 'appointing' is a bit of a misnomer. The presidency is essentially a ceremonial role, and performing ceremonial duties is something that influencers do very well. They can stamp a bill, pose for photos and their millions of adoring fans would like, comment and share with the world. If a crisis did occur, the presidential influencer has the Council of State to advise them. Also, the Presidential Commission is there as a back-up if they need some recovery time. The presidential role is similar to an influencer's. They pose for pictures, perform ceremonies and boost the country. So why not give it to an actual influencer? Someone who embraces the media and engagement? This will enthral all followers of fashion, style and celebrity. Also, the youth will eat up every Instagram post and TikTok, which in turn will lead to more interest and participation in politics. Dr John Jennings, Knocknacarra, Galway America's loss could be Ireland's gain if we snap up the best and brightest Jenny Maguire's article ('For so many students, our options are: live with mammy or head to Australia', Irish Independent, July 7) could not come at a more opportune time for Ireland. US president Donald Trump and his cohorts are intent on emasculating American universities – sadly this occurred here in Australia with a prime minister endowed with a personal detestation of academics – to the detriment of research and development. This led to loss of manufacturing, along with the loss of leading academics, cherry-picked by other nations' universities. In 2025, Ireland's universities are well ranked internationally. Ireland as an English-speaking country is also ideally suited, and placed, to invest in inducing leading US university academics to work in Ireland. The history of the Regional Colleges of Ireland, and their present university status, illustrates that provision of education for all, seeking it from any nation on earth, benefits the national economy. It is time for Irish people to think outside the box and invest in 'their own' universities. Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia Ukrainians continue to suffer as Putin runs rings around Donald Trump Russian president Vladimir Putin has told US president Donald Trump that Moscow will not step back from its goals in Ukraine. Putin has stressed that the Russians will not give up on eliminating all the root causes of the conflict, by which, of course, he means Ukrainian democracy and sovereignty. Putin appears to have tried to divert Trump's attention by promising all sorts of joint economic partnerships between the United States and Russia as soon as the conflict is over. But after three months of Trump saying he is not happy with the Putin, it is very unclear what he is willing to do. At this point, Putin appears to be serenely confident that he can carry on playing Trump like a violin.
Irish Independent
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Europe needs to act more like a bloc and less like a club of hopeful partners
The age of 'America First' means Europe must think more like a bloc and less like a club of hopeful partners. If tariffs and power politics are now the language of Washington, Brussels will need its own dialect – strategic autonomy, economic resilience and fewer illusions. Give it five years and we may see a European defence pact, a digital euro with teeth and fewer EU leaders crossing the Atlantic hoping for favours. The world isn't deglobalising, but it is getting colder. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Yes, the 'Nakba' goes back a lot farther, as Zionism began with Herzl in Basel Declan Foley claims that I think 'the Israel war on Palestine began in 1948' ('Complex history of Israel's war in Palestine goes back a lot farther than 1948', Letters, July 4). I don't. In my July 3 letter I used the qualification 'at the very latest' when specifying 1948, the year when the state of Israel was founded and the 'displacement and dispossession' of Palestinians began in earnest. In fact this 'Nakba' became likely in 1897 when Theodor Herzl founded the colonial doctrine of political Zionism in Basel, Switzerland, and it became inevitable when Britain issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, pledging to establish 'a national home for the Jewish people' in Palestine. Thus, in the words of the novelist Arthur Koestler, 'one nation solemnly promised to a second nation the country of a third'. The eponymous Arthur Balfour, a notorious antisemite, pushed the Aliens Act in 1905, curbing Jewish immigration to Britain at a time when Jews were fleeing pogroms in Europe, so his motives weren't exactly pure. The same could be said for his successors in the UK, the EU and – above all – the US, for whom international humanitarian law can be suppressed when it comes to support for their 'strategic ally' Israel. Raymond Deane, Broadstone, Dublin 7 ADVERTISEMENT Taoiseach should consider the 'disadvantage' being shown to state of Palestine Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Occupied Territories Bill must aim to apply pressure on Israel rather than 'disadvantage Ireland unduly'. I would suggest to Mr Martin, and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris, that the Government should aim to ensure that none of the financial or political links between Ireland and Israel disadvantage Palestine unduly. Art Ó Laoghaire, Bray, Co Wicklow Ireland might yet feel the heat for one-sided stance on conflict in Middle East Taoiseach Micheál Martin, on the one hand, expresses some apprehension regarding the Occupied Territories Bill, saying 'Ireland must not be disadvantaged unduly', while on the other hand, Tánaiste Simon Harris is 'open to expanding the bill to include services as well as goods'. This clearly illustrates the quandary the Government has landed itself in, and no amount of floundering will help to pull Ireland out of this. As for Ireland being 'disadvantaged unduly', our one-sided and singular view of the Middle East conflagration has not gone unnoticed, and we may yet discover just how 'disadvantaged' Ireland has become. Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan It seems Israelis are being murdered yet Palestinians are only being 'killed' Sam Kiley ('Trump isn't the guide out of horror that Palestinians and Israelis so desperately need', July 3) writes about 1,200 Israelis murdered on October 7 and more than 400 Palestinians being deliberately killed while waiting for food aid. Why are Israeli deaths described as murders and Palestinian deaths described as killed? Let's call them both murders. Also, most accounts have more than 600 Palestinians murdered at distribution sites. Michael Jordan, Point Road, Dundalk, Co Louth Barriers disabled people face are man-made and most certainly avoidable I laud Liam Herrick (July 2) for alluding to the salient fact that 'disability is not a problem to be fixed' and that 'Ireland needs public policy that is inclusive'. Disabled people encounter insurmountable challenges in all areas of life, most notably health inequities. Many die early, have poor health, and some languish in lasting and life-changing cognitive and physical impairments. However, what is disheartening is that most of the barriers faced by people with disabilities are man-made and avoidable. It is time to unshackle our societies from the manacles of racism, discrimination, alienation, marginalisation, bigotries, prejudices, Islamophobia, antisemitism and intolerance that disable our societies. It's time to advance human rights, dignities, diversity, inclusivity, social justice, fairness, equity, accountability and transparency if we are serious about being a fairer, inclusive society. Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London 'Liveline' lost its edge long ago, and censorship by RTÉ is to blame for that In his article ('In internet era of permanent outrage, 'Liveline' race is run', July 4), Frank Coughlan suggests Liveline has lost its edge because people can now vent their grievances on social media. I suggest an alternative reason: Liveline has become so censored and politically correct and anodyne that so many topics are not allowed to be discussed. Examples include immigration, gender identity issues and women's rights. Nothing that might cause controversy is discussed: righteous anger is allowed on topics like the Catholic Church, but nothing else. We saw that some years ago when the issue of the word 'woman'was discussed. So let's not blame social media for the neutering of Liveline. RTÉ did it. Julia Anderson, Greystones, Co Wicklow Savour the fruits of our summer if you can't enjoy ever-changeable weather We have seen some blue skies and the sun appear and then disappear, as is the way of the Irish summer. But its authentic taste remains the same and can be savoured if you're fortunate enough to enjoy our current divine crop of strawberries and raspberries. A little bit of heaven.
Irish Independent
29-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Letters: Lying might be a sin but there are times when we can't handle the truth
It took me back to preparation for my first confession, at the age of seven. In my quest to give it my best shot, I consulted an older cousin for his understanding of sin. He explained that if you told a lie a black mark the size of a sixpence would appear on your tongue. Undeterred, when the time came to enter the confession box I simply delivered my shopping list of sins: I pulled my brother's hair, I stole a biscuit, I told a lie. They were all quite believable, even if they never happened. I never developed that black mark on my tongue, so all was well. In the article, Dr Padraic Gibson suggests social media may have something to do with the supposed growth in lying; but we were born with the capacity to manage the truth, and it could be a lifesaver sometimes. As a young school student, my son was asked to write an essay on the subject of telling the truth. He wisely suggested you would have to carefully consider your reply if someone asked you: 'Does my bottom look big in this?' I wondered where he got this wisdom at such a tender age. Margaret Acton, Castleknock, Dublin 15 Value of teachers seen as school gates close Madam — Last year, in my local pub, I was enjoying a quiet Friday afternoon pint when a tall, well-built man just off the building site turned to me and said: 'So, you're Enda Cullen — the biggest bastard in the country.' That sobered me fast. It turned out I had suspended his workmate's son more than once during my time as a principal. I wouldn't allow the boy back without a parent present. The mother wouldn't come alone, so the father had to take a half-day and lose wages. That, apparently, earned me my reputation. After the initial shock, I was rather pleased, because in over 35 years in education I never taught a bad child. I met plenty who were angry, struggling or let down, but almost always the damage began elsewhere. As Conor Skehan rightly pointed out ('As schools empty for summer, let's salute the miracles they perform', June 22), it's only when the school gates close that we see what schools hold together — and what would otherwise fall apart. ADVERTISEMENT The Irish education system runs on quiet miracles: 1.2 million children guided daily by nearly 100,000 staff, mostly without fuss or failure. It's not just infrastructure, it's a national act of belief. And teachers, special needs assistants, caretakers and coaches show up every day, not for applause, but because someone has to. Sometimes that means suspension letters, uniform drives, early bird clubs and home visits. Sometimes it means getting called a bastard in the pub. And sometimes that's the best review you'll get. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Conor Skehan avoided big issues in education Madam — I found Conor Skehan's piece on schools condescending ('As schools empty for summer, let's salute the miracles they perform', June 22). It fails to acknowledge the drastic shortage of teachers at all levels and overlooks the alarming decline in school discipline. Teachers are not paid well enough to make a living in Ireland, and pats on the back won't change that. Second, those in the system are finding that poor discipline by a sizeable minority of students is making it impossible to teach. The Department of Education won't offer the resources necessary to provide withdrawal rooms for disruptive students. These would provide a safe setting for chronically disruptive pupils to learn how to behave. Instead, we allow this minority to destroy the education of the majority. We are talking about poorly parented children. Instead of withdrawal rooms or better pay, we get pieces like Mr Skehan's. Basically, he is saying carry on, chaps and lassies — over the parapet into financial and behavioural chaos. Ben Murphy, Bray, Co Wicklow Kneecap's terrorist group support just ignored Madam — What does it say about us as a nation when we make heroes of people who are accused of singing the praises of an Islamic terror outfit that slaughtered hundreds of young people at a music festival simply because they were Jews? Does Barry Egan ('Kneecap have a blast on bail with hip-hop hymns for the Dublin faithful', June 22) not think this state of affairs might even be worthy of comment? Eddie Naughton, The Coombe, Dublin Presidential race is far from competitive Madam — I do not agree with PR consultant Richard Moore that the last presidential election was competitive and that it was a bloodbath ('Shadow of 2011 bloodbath hangs over race for the Áras', June 22). There may have been seven candidates, but most did not have a hope or a prayer. In reality, there was only one real contender, and he did win in the end. If few people seem interested this time around, it's because potential candidates realise that while an unsuccessful election campaign might raise your public image for a short time, it will be of no benefit in the long run. You will just be another political failure, and there are many of those. Thomas Garvey, Claremorris, Co Mayo Political debates can be traumatic Madam — Mary Regan reminds us of the brutal nature of presidential election debates ('Shadow of 2011 'bloodbath' hangs over race for Áras', June 22). These events cannot be considered part of the normal cut and thrust of politics, especially when one imagines that some of these candidates may end up traumatised by their experiences. On the other hand, it could be argued that these elections have produced some excellent and very popular presidents. One might then ask: does the end justify the means? John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Let's make sure we keep bankers in line Madam — Shane Ross nailed it in his article on bankers ('Bankers cash in on Cabinet's lack of radical rebels', June 22). The unanimous absolution given by the Government to the banks, plus the sale of the State's remaining 2pc stake in AIB, has allowed them to return to the good old days. The removal of the €500,000 pay cap will allow bankers to pay themselves millions. Hopefully, this time the Central Bank will keep morecontrol and not let bankers return to offering unsecured loans to developers, which was the main cause of the last collapse. Brian Lube, Co Meath West will awaken with bold initiatives Madam — Lorraine Courtney raises some glaring issues ('For my generation, the 2008 crash is a wound that never healed', June 22). Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said recently that if he had one regret, it was being too cautious. The money was there to fix the big-ticket issues in housing, health and transport infrastructure. In an astonishing revelation last year, it emerged that €500m in capital spending was carried over by 15 government departments in 2023 alone. That much money would quite easily have completed the final leg of the Western Rail Corridor from Claremorris to Collooney that is so badly needed in this 'lagging region'', categorised by the EU as one of the most depressed economic regions in the whole of Europe. Caution and prudence are of course important traits of good government, but when capital spending is not used and is rolled over year on year, caution can be a huge drag on supporting struggling regions like the west and north-west. If balanced regional development is to be achieved, politicians at local and national level will have to be much more adventurous, aim higher with more bold and daring initiatives and be much more courageous in their forward thinking. Remember, faint heart never won fair lady. Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo Those in Tuam home were treated coldly Madam — David Quinn points readers towards the clear-eyed, painstaking report of the Commission of Investigation into the Mother and Baby Homes for truth ('Lurid claims obscure truth of Tuam', June 22). But can it really be found there? I find the report lacks empathy and compassion, as perhaps these detached commissions' findings tend to. Reports from decades later can never fully grasp historical painful events. The written word could never capture the reality. Quinn rails against the lurid headlines and sensational commentary in the aftermath of sad disclosures about Tuam. The undoubted truth is that mothers and babies where treated harshly and coldly. These places were anything but homes — homes in the main are warm and welcoming. There can be no redemption in making comparisons with infant mortality rates in the general population. The report clearly states that the high rate of infant mortality (first year of life) was probably the most disquieting feature of these institutions. The particular circumstances of these institutions can never be used as an excuse for lack of kindness. Kindness is the most inexpensive gift anyone can give to a fellow human. The painstaking work and care that will take place in recovering the partial remains of babies will sadly be the real truth of Tuam. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Courage needed to call out Gaza crimes Madam — In months and years to come we will inevitably hear countless excuses about the slaughter and destruction of Gaza. Shame on all politicians who refuse to speak out and condemn the aggressors, and thank you to the few political leaders, bands, football clubs (Bohemians FC) and celebrities who have the courage to speak out against these barbaric crimes. Mark Keane, Dunboyne, Co Meath Kate's presence a gift for cancer survivors Madam — Michael Kenefick admits to being 'mystified' that a photo of the Princess of Wales adorned the front page of the Sunday Independent on June 15 ('Why is Kate Middleton on the front page of an Irish paper?', Letters, June 22). Perhaps there are those who have had a brush with cancer who will have been buoyed by seeing a fellow survivor in apparently good spirits. The fact that Kate Middleton in a few years, all going well for her, may be Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, might answer the question he poses: 'What has Kate Middleton's fancy hat, Trooping the Colour... to do with anything related to Ireland?' Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan Hats off to Kate and our Irish milliners Madam — Michael Kenefick (Letters, June 22) questions the relevance of a photo of Kate Middleton wearing a 'fancy hat' being on the front of the Sunday Independent. Why not? Millinery is all the rage, as epitomised by our own Philip Treacy. Let's not get hot under the collar about hats on the head. Aileen Hooper, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 Trans debate needs to hear all voices Madam — Letters from Kate Flannery and Sarah Holmes (June 22) tell us that 'women are expected to stay quiet' and that their voices are 'shut down', citing a purported 'silencing of sex-based advocacy'. Women's voices do indeed matter, including those of women like me who disagree with the position of Ms Flannery and Ms Holmes on the rights of transgender people. We also have a right to be heard. Being contradicted is not oppression. Claiming to be silenced because your opponents' arguments are also afforded coverage is disingenuous at best. As for this alleged 'reluctance to talk' about issues surrounding the Gender Recognition Act, rarely a week goes by without an article or letters in this very newspaper touching on that subject. Bernie Linnane, Dromahair, Co Leitrim Rights being eroded by poor decisions Madam — In reply to Sarah Holmes's letter ('Female boundaries are being eroded', June 22), in 47 years of using bathrooms there has been zero threat to my rights and boundaries in using the closed, locked, private stall of a public bathroom, or in washing my hands at a sink beside someone who may or may not be a cis woman. There is, however, a real and worrying erosion of my rights and boundaries, and those of all women, in allowing these random people to decide who may or may not access public bathroom facilities. Margaret McPherson, Clongriffin, Dublin 13 O'Donovan's public message is inspiring Madam — Patrick O'Donovan is to be commended for going public on what it's like to live with epilepsy ('A minister's private struggle', June 22). He is also to be commended on pushing the Basic Income for the Arts scheme to be made permanent. The fact this scheme was a key plank of Eamon Ryan and the Green Party in the previous administration should not go unmentioned. Who would have predicted that Fine Gael in particular would now be keen on implementing a 'leftist' policy that is the antithesis of what the centre-right party stands for? Wonders never cease. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry Golfgate anger was more than justified Madam — Shane Coleman's assertion in his interview in People & Culture ('Captain Sensible', June 8) that anger over the Golfgate scandal should be considered 'mob hysteria' seems extremely unfair. Upwards of 6,500 people lost their lives to Covid in Ireland, with many others still enduring the effects. Many families were denied funerals for loved ones as they obeyed the rules of the times. To describe any hurt felt by this group as 'mob hysteria' seems highly disrespectful and unnecessary. When we consider the efforts of healthcare and frontline workers and most citizens towards minimising the spread of Covid, the actions of the 80 or so elite who attended a golf dinner were rightly muchcriticised. A more empathetic description of Mr Coleman's hysterical mob might he a 'heartbroken herd'. Dr Patrick Daly, Dublin Beach is still best place for bikinis Madam — Young women wearing the skimpiest of bikinis were a common sight around the streets of Sutton during the recent heatwave. With all the hard-fought battles for women's rights — including the right not to be sexually objectified — it defies logic to see women putting themselves in this position. I totally agree with a woman's right to bodily autonomy, but there is still the matter of dressing appropriately in public. Other people have rights too, including the right to enjoy public spaces without seeing semi-nude bodies. Maybe keep the beachwear for the beach.
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Letters: Young people could well afford to repay a mortgage – if they could just get their hands on one
House prices are continuing to climb. Stock Image The real problem is that they cannot get a mortgage. This is because house prices are at a level that their savings, salary and funds offered by banks just don't get close to. Even with parents raiding savings and pension plans, the gap is insurmountable. Borrowers might well afford to repay instalments on a 30-year mortgage, but they just cannot get one. The solution is simple. We need a very clear agreement between banks and clients. And I'm not ruling out government-sponsored lending. It would state: We will give you the funds you need, provided you have shown history of savings. But – and it is a big proviso – should you renege on your mortgage payments after an agreed timescale, you must hand back the keys. There can be no ifs, ands or buts. This is an adults' agreement. I believe that thousands of people in Ireland today would happily take this offer were it available. So many people are trapped paying prohibitive rent that not only cripples their finances, but cripples their chances of getting a mortgage. Eamon Kearney, Baldoyle, Dublin I'm greatly reassured to learn that red wine, dark chocolate, tea and apples now count towards our five-a-day ('Your 'five-a-day' can now include chocolate and red wine,' Irish Independent , June 3). At this rate, all I need is a Tayto crisp sandwich and we'll have cracked public health in Northern Ireland. As someone from Armagh, I've long maintained that an apple a day – preferably from a tree your grandad planted – is as medicinal as anything in the pharmacy. Now, thanks to Queen's University Belfast, it seems flavonoids are the future. Tea and red wine included? That's breakfast and supper sorted. Kale, of course, remains under review. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh There are a lot of issues with generative AI and large language models in education. They can be used by students and teachers to create essays and lesson plans. However, AI is entirely dependent on what you ask it to do. Even the slightest error in a request can lead to wildly varying results that may not reflect the author's intentions. Users must be very precise when asking AI to generate text. In the past, there was no such thing as a 'stupid question', but there is when using AI. Students and teachers need to be trained in prompt engineering. This is learning how to ask AI to generate something by giving it appropriate and well thought-out prompts. AI has become a new cornerstone in education; everyone can learn to be thoughtful and reflective when using it. In the future, students shouldn't be assessed on their AI-generated essays, but, rather on the quality of the 'prompts' they use to generate it. Dr John Jennings, Knocknacarra, Galway The Garda Representative Association (GRA) does a lot of moaning nowadays about how members are treated by the Government and the people. Does this go on across Europe? You'd think that those sworn to uphold the law would follow that promise through and not bark at every new regulation brought in by a democratically elected government. Liam Doran, Clondalkin, Dublin At the moment, Israel has been green-lighted and armed by Donald Trump to start the bombardment of Iran. The reason is to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons, because the country is seen to be unstable and a threat. But I would argue Israel might be viewed as equally unstable under the current leadership. Ray Dunne, Enfield, Meath The horrific war in Gaza, which started with Hamas' shocking attack on Israel's civilians in October 2023, has appalled most decent people, and yet the bombings and killing of Palestinians continues. Despite frequent words of condemnation, most world leaders have done nothing to stop it. Worse still, many European countries, as well as the US, continue to stand by Israel economically and militarily. The EU was quick to call out the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so why is the EU not stopping Israel's genocide in Gaza? Is the EU not hypocritical in its actions, and has it learnt nothing from past conflicts? The union was a European project to foster peace. So why is Israel, a perpetrator of destruction, mass migration and famine on the people of Gaza, still allowed to participate in EU-funded research projects? And why do EU countries continue to sell arms to Israel? Has the EU lost its moral compass? C Bailey, Dundrum, Dublin Enda Cullen is to be commended on his sharp observance of 'hitting the floor' over Saturday night's GAA commentary on Armagh v Galway ('GAA commentary needs to be more grounded – I was floored by what I heard,' Letters, June 16). There are so many sideshows on our current TV commentaries and analysis. 'Playing deep', 'middle three', 'middle eight', (is there a difference?). 'Push-up', 'giving' (no presents given in Gaelic football). 'On the back foot', 'running deep'. These are just some of the phrases that we, the viewers and readers, run with. Gone are the golden sports days of the great Michael O'Hehir's lone broadcasts. The whistle, the throw-in, the game is on, there's five minutes left in the game, there goes the final whistle. Game over. The last we had of that long-lost sporting activity was the legendary John D Hickey's famous reports in the Irish Independent on Monday mornings. No confetti or strings attached – like now. Tom Curley, Galway
