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tabindex="-1">Racing</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/athletics" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Athletics</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/boxing" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Boxing</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/cycling" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Cycling</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/hockey" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Hockey</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/tennis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Tennis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/your-money" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Money</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_your-money" aria-label="Show Your Money sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_your-money"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/pricewatch" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Pricewatch</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/budget/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Budget 2025</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Crime & Law</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_crime-law" aria-label="Show Crime & Law sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crime-law"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/courts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Courts</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Property</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_property" aria-label="Show Property sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_property"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/residential" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Residential</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/interiors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Interiors</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Food</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_food" aria-label="Show Food sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_food"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/drink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Drink</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/recipes" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Recipes</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/restaurants" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/health" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Health</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_health" aria-label="Show Health sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_health"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-family" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Family</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Fitness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-wellness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Wellness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness/get-running" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Get Running</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Life & Style</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_life-style" aria-label="Show Life & Style sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_life-style"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fashion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fashion</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/beauty/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Beauty</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fine-art-antiques" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fine Art & Antiques</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/gardening" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gardening</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/travel" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Travel</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/culture" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Culture</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_culture" aria-label="Show Culture sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_culture"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/art" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Art</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/books" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Books</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Film</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/music" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Music</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/stage" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stage</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/tv-radio" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">TV & Radio</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/environment" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Environment</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_environment" aria-label="Show Environment sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_environment"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/environment/climate-crisis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Climate Crisis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/technology" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Technology</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_technology" aria-label="Show Technology sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_technology"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/big-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Big Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/consumer-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Consumer Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/data-security" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Data & Security</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/gaming" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaming</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/science" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Science</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_science" aria-label="Show Science sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_science"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/science/space" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Space</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" href="/media" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Media</a></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><a class="c-link" 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article-sub-wrapper"><p class="c-paragraph">Sir, – In reply to Maria O’Brien’s letter (<a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2024/11/29/childcare-and-fathers/" target="_blank">November 29th</a>), while I agree with her views on the gender discrimination of marriage bar legislation, I believe she has missed the main point of my letter (<a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2024/11/28/childcare-as-an-election-issue/" target="_blank">November 28th</a>) and is in danger of hitting the wrong target here.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Earlier this year a constitutional referendum was held, the purpose for which was to remove the guarantee that mothers should not, by economic circumstances, be forced out to work. This referendum arose after many years of political inaction by successive governments, which finally feared that legal action in the courts could arise over their failure to act on the guarantee. Much political spin was put by them on the matter, in an effort to convince voters that it was an anachronism and an insult to today’s women. They got their answer when 73.93 per cent of the voters shot it down, the greatest ever percentage defeat in a constitutional referendum in this State.</p><div id="arcad-feature-f0ffkTty6QNr1mi-3-4-8-73cc04a597889" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:none;--desktop-display:none"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:300px"><div id="arcad_f0ffkTty6QNr1mi-3-4-8-73cc04a597889" class="arcad ad-300x250"></div></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">The real target of our ire should be those politicians who, notwithstanding that massive defeat at the ballot box, have since then put nothing in their manifestos to rectify the situation.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">If mothers were supported financially by the State, they could still decide to send their children to creches and go out to work, but the option would still be there to stay at home until their children reach school-going age.</p><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0f1Ui2nzrty1pg-3-4-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0f1Ui2nzrty1pg-3-4-0"></div><div><div style="border-block-start: 4px solid var(--global-neutral-2);font-family:var(--font-family-secondary);font-weight: var(--c-heading-font-weight);font-size:1.1rem; padding-top:0.8rem;margin-top:2rem;">READ MORE</div></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0f1Ui2nzrty1pg-3-4-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0f1Ui2nzrty1pg-3-4-0"></div><div class="c-grid b-top-table-list"><div class="c-grid b-top-table-list-small-container b-top-table-list-small-container--2"><article class="c-grid b-top-table-list-small b-top-table-list-small--right"><h2 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/rugby/2025/03/01/attention-france-look-to-be-in-the-mood-to-do-damage-to-ireland/">Attention! 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Ireland has just one chance" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YN5KA22J75EEDC3JOHX6BFJSGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=27cada42215049d37943b94781971521a32e234292ba5cbb8bd18ba2be661b7e&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YN5KA22J75EEDC3JOHX6BFJSGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=27cada42215049d37943b94781971521a32e234292ba5cbb8bd18ba2be661b7e&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YN5KA22J75EEDC3JOHX6BFJSGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=27cada42215049d37943b94781971521a32e234292ba5cbb8bd18ba2be661b7e&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YN5KA22J75EEDC3JOHX6BFJSGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=27cada42215049d37943b94781971521a32e234292ba5cbb8bd18ba2be661b7e&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YN5KA22J75EEDC3JOHX6BFJSGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=27cada42215049d37943b94781971521a32e234292ba5cbb8bd18ba2be661b7e&width=1200&height=799 1200w" width="800" height="533"/></figure></a><hr class="c-divider"/></article><article class="c-grid b-top-table-list-small b-top-table-list-small--right"><h2 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/politics/2025/03/01/charlie-haughey-was-framed-and-then-he-disappeared-but-soon-the-mystery-was-solved/">Miriam Lord: Charlie Haughey was framed and then he disappeared. But soon the mystery was solved </a></h2><a class="c-link" href="/politics/2025/03/01/charlie-haughey-was-framed-and-then-he-disappeared-but-soon-the-mystery-was-solved/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><figure class="c-media-item"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Miriam Lord: Charlie Haughey was framed and then he disappeared. But soon the mystery was solved " class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BQRTHGOKGZEMRBGGLSEX4OSIV4.jpg?focal=764%2C354&auth=3727d6abbbaf6af6b71b6ecee24f7054c390eab4219465d30232704b0a018b75&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BQRTHGOKGZEMRBGGLSEX4OSIV4.jpg?focal=764%2C354&auth=3727d6abbbaf6af6b71b6ecee24f7054c390eab4219465d30232704b0a018b75&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BQRTHGOKGZEMRBGGLSEX4OSIV4.jpg?focal=764%2C354&auth=3727d6abbbaf6af6b71b6ecee24f7054c390eab4219465d30232704b0a018b75&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BQRTHGOKGZEMRBGGLSEX4OSIV4.jpg?focal=764%2C354&auth=3727d6abbbaf6af6b71b6ecee24f7054c390eab4219465d30232704b0a018b75&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BQRTHGOKGZEMRBGGLSEX4OSIV4.jpg?focal=764%2C354&auth=3727d6abbbaf6af6b71b6ecee24f7054c390eab4219465d30232704b0a018b75&width=1200&height=799 1200w" width="800" height="533"/></figure></a><hr class="c-divider"/></article></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">It seems to me to be of little purpose to have a gender war pitting spouse against spouse and mothers against fathers here on the issue. It only serves to divide against a common enemy. – Yours, etc,</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">BOBBY CARTY,</p><div id="arcad-feature-f0fF3YXEzrty1PE-3-4-3-f28e8cec5d8e9" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:550px"><div id="arcad_f0fF3YXEzrty1PE-3-4-3-f28e8cec5d8e9" class="arcad ad-550x250"></div></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Templeogue,</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Dublin 6W.</p></article><div id="lazy_38190" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__12 gap"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"></div><div class="floating-subscribe"></div><div id="arcad-feature-f0ffxI8BlJi466C-3-6-3-129a1f05818065" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:728px"><div id="arcad_f0ffxI8BlJi466C-3-6-3-129a1f05818065" class="arcad ad-728x90"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block font-normal "><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack headline-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><h3 as="h5" class="c-heading font-normal margin_none">IN THIS SECTION</h3></div></div></div></div><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/letters/2025/03/01/the-states-e-voting-machine-debacle-ultimately-cost-the-taxpayer-55-million/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="‘The State’s e-voting machine debacle ultimately cost the taxpayer €55 million’" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&width=400&height=224 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&width=600&height=337 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&width=800&height=449 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&width=1200&height=674 1200w" sizes="30vw" width="274" height="154"/></a></figure><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text"><div class="b-flex-promo-card__text-no-overline"><h3 class="c-heading c-heading__md-sm text-align_left"><a class="c-link font-bold" href="/opinion/letters/2025/03/01/the-states-e-voting-machine-debacle-ultimately-cost-the-taxpayer-55-million/">‘The State’s e-voting machine debacle ultimately cost the taxpayer €55 million’</a></h3></div></div></article><article class="b-flex-promo-card b-flex-promo-card__right-left c-it-border__bottom c-it-border--mobile c-it-border--tablet c-it-border--desktop"><figure class="c-media-item"><a class="c-link b-flex-promo-card__link" href="/opinion/letters/2025/03/01/letters-to-the-editor-saturday-march-1st-national-broadband-plan-attacks-on-diversity-programmes-and-trumps-america/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Letters to the Editor - Saturday, March 1st: National Broadband Plan; 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id="fusion-metadata" type="application/javascript">window.Fusion=window.Fusion||{};Fusion.arcSite="irishtimes";Fusion.contextPath="/pf";Fusion.deployment="168";Fusion.globalContent={"_id":"ZY44LENZ5FFJ5LLIBSSUVJVPOI","additional_properties":{"clipboard":{},"has_published_copy":true},"address":{},"canonical_website":"irishtimes","content_elements":[{"_id":"WUVVSWE2HNG7LCYOTJKJU727MI","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Sir, – In reply to Maria O’Brien’s letter (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2024/11/29/childcare-and-fathers/\" target=\"_blank\">November 29th</a>), while I agree with her views on the gender discrimination of marriage bar legislation, I believe she has missed the main point of my letter (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2024/11/28/childcare-as-an-election-issue/\" target=\"_blank\">November 28th</a>) and is in danger of hitting the wrong target here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WGKIBSX23FA25FPQO27TPJEDRE","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Earlier this year a constitutional referendum was held, the purpose for which was to remove the guarantee that mothers should not, by economic circumstances, be forced out to work. This referendum arose after many years of political inaction by successive governments, which finally feared that legal action in the courts could arise over their failure to act on the guarantee. Much political spin was put by them on the matter, in an effort to convince voters that it was an anachronism and an insult to today’s women. They got their answer when 73.93 per cent of the voters shot it down, the greatest ever percentage defeat in a constitutional referendum in this State.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"GEWXDYEXVJGFRDXM7ZCTQRG3IQ","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"The real target of our ire should be those politicians who, notwithstanding that massive defeat at the ballot box, have since then put nothing in their manifestos to rectify the situation.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"VJSZFMFLVJF33DLP65NHQWM7BA","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"If mothers were supported financially by the State, they could still decide to send their children to creches and go out to work, but the option would still be there to stay at home until their children reach school-going age.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"I2JRQQRZ2JEBHKHG5YYNGETACM","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"It seems to me to be of little purpose to have a gender war pitting spouse against spouse and mothers against fathers here on the issue. It only serves to divide against a common enemy. – Yours, etc,","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"3FS5YOTFBZCN5IKX7SU7RAHYEI","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"BOBBY CARTY,","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"BWN2S6KLAFDT7AQQQEMXLP7RNE","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Templeogue,","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"Q22MTZPWFFADRDHELTKFANWUDY","additional_properties":{"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Dublin 6W.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"created_date":"2024-11-29T16:36:34.952Z","credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Lessons of referendum defeat have been ignored"},"display_date":"2024-11-30T00:02:00Z","distributor":{"category":"staff","name":"irishtimes","subcategory":""},"first_publish_date":"2024-11-30T00:02:00.21Z","headlines":{"basic":"Childcare, families and society ","meta_title":"","mobile":"","native":"","print":"","tablet":"","web":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"display":true,"text":"8948"},"related_collection":{"display":true,"text":"highlights-collection"}},"language":"","last_updated_date":"2024-11-30T00:02:00.21Z","owner":{"id":"irishtimes","sponsored":false},"planning":{"internal_note":"","story_length":{"character_count_actual":1582,"character_encoding":"UTF-16","line_count_actual":14,"word_count_actual":274}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/_M_MRHmV7S06TaQU3YnRLAq4ClI=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg","galleries":[],"ingestionMethod":"manual","keywords":[],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"sir2.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg","owner":"druxton@irishtimes.com","proxyUrl":"/resizer/_M_MRHmV7S06TaQU3YnRLAq4ClI=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/_M_MRHmV7S06TaQU3YnRLAq4ClI=/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg","restricted":false,"thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/z1pBeAsTolcgB4GDlIlDpw7Gay0=/300x0/arc-photo-irishtimes/eu-central-1-prod/public/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg","usage_instructions":"Displayed credit should be to The Irish Times. 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France look to be in the mood to do damage to Ireland "},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Six Nations","url":"https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/six-nations/"}},"owner":{"sponsored":false},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"7WVPBPAF7RMMOOPLJ4VAE63ZYY","auth":{"1":"584b6b45b865ba467c28abce6ca73de215a6a4a0095bc31e0beeb2dde44aebbc"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/7WVPBPAF7RMMOOPLJ4VAE63ZYY.jpg"}},"type":"story","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/sport/rugby","name":"Rugby"},"website_url":"/sport/rugby/2025/03/01/attention-france-look-to-be-in-the-mood-to-do-damage-to-ireland/"}}},{"_id":"R22DA5VXFNCIVCVLBZ4E6UDUAQ","credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Sharon Gaffney","type":"author"}]},"description":{"basic":"Joël Le Scouarnec is accused of the rape and sexual assault of 299 patients. 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Can Demi Moore edge out Mikey Madison for best actress? And how many awards might the troubled Emilia Pérez pick up?"},"display_date":"2025-03-01T05:22:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Oscars 2025: Who will win and who should win? 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So much for lessons learned. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"KHLNC3PUMFB4PPCAQ7H5HGZAAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766615856},"content":"PHIL CUMMINS,","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KK7ECVVG5E5TIY6VM45P4OBKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766615857},"content":"Kilcullen,","type":"text"},{"_id":"H337VY35FFAB7BF7BOQC5XY4LQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766615858},"content":"Co Kildare.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"No lessons were learned from the spending controversy of the early 2000s"},"display_date":"2025-03-01T06:00:07Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘The State’s e-voting machine debacle ultimately cost the taxpayer €55 million’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Letter of the Day","url":"/tags/letter-of-the-day/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU","auth":{"1":"2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Letters"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/03/01/the-states-e-voting-machine-debacle-ultimately-cost-the-taxpayer-55-million/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/letters","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Letters"}}}},{"_id":"LV7SZ3YRHFC6NHHPWMGM2XSY2E","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":972,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/dc1bd1d7-7b9d-4b63-8240-711766cad57e/versions/1740756430/media/005bff672af95825d877defa3864e0b8_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/03/01/letters-to-the-editor-saturday-march-1st-national-broadband-plan-attacks-on-diversity-programmes-and-trumps-america/","content_elements":[{"_id":"X73HCF4NNFF53EDE6DK542NM3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766189999},"content":"<b>National Broadband Plan</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"DPOOSSA6EJGQNDUMYWFMU7YYK4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913741},"content":"Sir, – The seven-year, €2.7bn National Broadband Plan will complete next year, months earlier than planned and costing millions less than expected, so long as the current pace of laying fibre is maintained. To keep that pace, the project will need to draw down €80m of next year’s budget during this year. This is not an additional cost as you reported (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/28/national-broadband-project-to-need-a-further-80m-funding-boost/\" target=\"_self\">National broadband plan to require additional €80m</a>”, Business, February 28th); it is a rescheduling of budgeted payments because the project is moving faster than planned. While it is crucial to publicly scrutinise cost overruns on sheds, walls, and scanners, we could also learn from successful projects. Why is the largest infrastructure project in the state completing early, below budget and with higher-than-expected benefits to the public? Let’s have a public inquiry. I would be happy to testify. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LZAHU76NVAFXIWGYEUJJVHDLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942319},"content":"OSSIAN SMYTH,","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUATCL5BSBCADNSHTJ2AKZK7XY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913742},"content":"Former minister for communications,","type":"text"},{"_id":"DABCQ3M62ZGP5DHQMSTMAL2JFQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913743},"content":"Green Party,","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQN76SNI5ZDWDG3ADJZFT3OXKQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190004},"content":"Suffolk Street,","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5ZJDRITSRBFJL3C5R72CBDIG4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190005},"content":"Dublin 2.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IGVQHKVLTVASFPK4MPX4NWVWDY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913744},"content":"Sir, - You published a letter from me back in 2019 about the National Broadband Plan and satellite broadband which predicted that “unless there is a change of political heart, it is likely that Ireland will be digging up roads and stringing fibre across fields at great cost to taxpayers while satellite constellations are orbiting overhead and offering high-speed broadband services to rural households at competitive rates and at zero cost to the exchequer”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ACFF3XODEZD6PKIDCUDL7BHAII","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913745},"content":"As indicated in “National Broadband Plan to require additional €80m” (Business, February 28th) the Exchequer has to date expended about a billion euro on the plan. This has resulting in about 115,000 connections at a capital cost averaging about €12,000 per customer. While this cost will fall as more passed premises are signed up, Starlink has by comparison already made over 13,000 connections mainly in rural areas and digital blackspots at no cost to the Exchequer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HUGB225UDZBWLLYTU3PU2VEGAI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913746},"content":"While NBP costs will escalate as it moves into ever more rural or remote areas, Starlink will be launching a much more powerful next-generation network and will be joined later in this decade by at least two significant competitors. Surely it is time to execute a plan B for the NBP by embracing the use of satellites to deliver broadband to the most remote corners of its Intervention Area. – Yours etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"SK56K4JYD5BTRFPJLMIWQS2LEQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913748},"content":"BRIAN FLANAGAN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"A2XLSM7ZOZEUDHBQMNE2M7J4TU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942326},"content":"Blackrock,","type":"text"},{"_id":"7VLW23E3QBEOBDFO4PBORI4V5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190011},"content":"Co Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEDBSJNXNRDJXFXNGWWNICZPFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190012},"content":"<b>Diversity, Equality and Inclusion</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"E4GQNSBD55DLPKDIQQHGTXKTKM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913750},"content":"Sir, – Across the globe we are seeing a rise in the popularity of far-right political parties and ideology. The most recent election results in the United States and Germany reflect this trend. This rise is facilitated by the targeted use of social media platforms by players with little or no respect for human rights and rule of law. Their ultimate aims are the dismantling of liberal democracy and free speech for personal gain (mostly monetary).","type":"text"},{"_id":"TYH4ZJALJZBL7IIGS6ZYQG5GWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913752},"content":"The relentless targeting of minority groups (particularly migrants and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities) is a well-documented strategy. The spreading of lies and disinformation about these groups “others” them within the general population and provokes fear and resentment. The recent flurry of executive orders from the new US administration disproportionately targeted transgender people (one of the most vulnerable minority groups).","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIBAUWV525BWJPYXVMHCTKP3M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913753},"content":"“Minority stress” describes the stress and anxiety that minority groups experience mainly due to stigma and discrimination and is the cause of significant physical and mental health and socio-economic disparities. Proactive legislation (e.g. same-sex marriage and gender recognition laws) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes reduce this stress to the benefit of all. It’s no accident that the efforts to dismantle these gains are being spearheaded mainly by privileged, white, cisgender, heterosexual men.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LFBMMQQ7U5CJXE6DHBTZMT7H5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913754},"content":"In these times it’s critical that we push back against disinformation and take affirmative action to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and understand the impact that minority stress has on individuals and vulnerable communities. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"IN4KZSYNLFFTXP3TCT2Z77BPFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913756},"content":"Prof DES CROWLEY,","type":"text"},{"_id":"I2MOQJKUQZCCRJFZTGKADD24ZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913757},"content":"Dublin 6.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VEL6L2RRZ5A65KAU6XCZG4UHRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190019},"content":"<b>Trump’s America</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"SCLARCLGENA3HLUBWYZFZF5VXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913759},"content":"Sir, – Like many recent commentators, Alanna O’Malley questions our existing military neutrality (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/27/crisis-at-un-makes-decision-on-triple-lock-more-urgent/\">What does the US siding with Russia mean for Irish neutrality?</a>” Opinion, 27th Feb). She also rightly highlights how the United States under the Trump presidency is reshaping the world order. Unfortunately she concludes that, given this new reality, Ireland “must abandon the fallacy that neutrality will isolate us from impending conflict”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DNFHHWPMJFBFBNURQNTKVTGJ5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913760},"content":"With the arrival of Donald Trump as president, the US is now the biggest threat to our economic interests. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that we, along with our EU friends, may face military and other challenges from the Trump administration in the near future.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Z5VKJJ6KLFGGFK2BAYWHWRGQFU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913761},"content":"Given this changing reality, I would prefer to rely on a form of soft (shamrock) diplomacy when it comes to dealing with the growing menace. It might have little chance of success but trying to counter the new world order being created by the world’s most powerful country by dropping our neutrality is naive. It was foolish to think that dropping it could help secure Europe from Russia - it now looks like an increasingly ridiculous and already out of date proposition. Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJAX27LFBRCXZJBQF3LCOOKHPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913763},"content":"SEAN KEAVENEY,","type":"text"},{"_id":"2CXUAB64HJBUDPXN366QADID3A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913764},"content":"Castleknock,","type":"text"},{"_id":"3PQDTD47V5CGLLBBOF5BPODGQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190025},"content":"Dublin 15","type":"text"},{"_id":"MAWJCHQ5G5HMZK2CR5HPHAFCYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913766},"content":"Sir, - When will the pathetic political poodling to Donald Trump by European leaders stop? Obsequious begging for recognition and advantage from an absolute charlatan is the ultimate in self-disgrace. Is there any sense of decency and decorum left in global politics?","type":"text"},{"_id":"CED6AWRE2NF4DEIPMRMOCPYEQY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913768},"content":"An invite from a British king as a bribe to curry favour tells it all. What next? Honorary Irish citizenship for the Don, to ensure the shamrock still blooms in the Oval office? Where has authenticity and ethical morality gone?","type":"text"},{"_id":"AEALAGMWYRBRFKZJVWAOLII7EM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913769},"content":"An archetypal narcissist who continually insults and berates – is relentlessly bombastic, crude and crass, to say nothing of his fallacious about-turns and core chicanery – is somehow bewilderingly afforded disgraceful dollops of sycophantism, all to squirm some profile advantage. Sick and sad or what?","type":"text"},{"_id":"2MWYGAI7HNFXTLW76OAZUDWL5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913770},"content":"What grim fate awaits us all, as we witness the tragic sinking of honourable diplomacy in a world of ever mounting greed-borne threats across the spectrum of societal corruption, global inequity, ecological piracy and economic machination?","type":"text"},{"_id":"6GKHKOLQGFGKTGBYDMGM437XMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913771},"content":"A world where duplicity thrives and decency dies, it seems. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"LUQRATFH7NBNHEY22LW37ERHXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913773},"content":"JIM COSGROVE,","type":"text"},{"_id":"5BOWMWNQ3FDOTLVR6EY623OOVA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913774},"content":"Lismore,","type":"text"},{"_id":"XI5PAG476BC43EVSLAMQKGKXTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190033},"content":"Co Waterford.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LGPG2DP62FDGBLMDWYWFAZJFWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190034},"content":"Sir, - Would there be anyone in the White House with the temerity to confront Donald Trump with this quotation from Six Authors in Search of an Author, by Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello?:","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QP4NBC6PZAVPGDBIKJ4UBHTR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913778},"content":"“If only we could see in advance all the harm that can come from the good we think we are doing”. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"25356J7NMBFI3KOYYERVZIYPWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913780},"content":"ROGER GREENE,","type":"text"},{"_id":"2KDG7R24BRGVRHOV2Q7OCIQBWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913781},"content":"Glenageary,","type":"text"},{"_id":"OB2BE7JXWFERPF5KQ2EQODRSRE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190038},"content":"Co Dublin","type":"text"},{"_id":"KARA7NS2WFGPBNJOU5FRZ6MNVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190039},"content":"<b>Liquefied natural gas</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"JIIGP4O5D5FFRP5EC4IT4V5VQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913784},"content":"Sir, - I read your report (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/02/27/climate-experts-warn-government-against-move-to-import-lng-from-us/\" target=\"_self\">Policy on importing liquefied gas should not be relaxed, warn climate experts</a>”, Home News, February 27th) on a letter from a group of Irish academics who are opposed to the use of liquefied natural fas (“LNG”) on the grounds that “LNG is a severely polluting energy source ... especially when derived from fracked shale gas, due to leaked methane – a potent greenhouse gas – and the energy-intensive nature of its extraction and transportation”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PCM3T6BODNAMXMB5NCQXXT6CXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913786},"content":"I wish to point out that we have been importing LNG, much of it from the US, via the Ireland UK Moffat interconnector for many years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3W44ISA6NERXFUCMARZZCR3YM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190042},"content":"The share of UK imports in our gas mix has been above 60 per cent since 2020 and is currently above 80 per cent. The percentage of LNG in the UK domestic gas mix is above 25 per cent for 2022-2023 and is likely to be even higher in 2024-2025 when the statistics are published.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4CAA2NPFXFBKJDSFDBA4SBTHZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913788},"content":"Of that LNG, over 55 per cent comes from the US (Figures from Digest of UK Energy Statistics on UK Government website). So, by my calculation, approximately 20 per cent of our gas consumption in 2023 was from LNG, of which more than half was from US LNG.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IEX6YJW34FGT5L5MVQUNE5BFO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913789},"content":"We can argue about the merits of importing LNG. I agree that local indigenous natural gas such as that from Corrib has less embedded CO2 emissions and is much preferable to imported LNG. In fact, this is a strong argument in support of encouraging more local gas exploration and development.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2PBEQSTDRDSXCITNYGJIFTQ44","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913790},"content":"But we cannot argue that we should not be importing LNG. We are already relying on it as part of our dependence on gas imports from the UK and have been for many years. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"NBFVKM36NBADFC6SQTMEWG22EQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942362},"content":"BRIAN Ó CATHÁIN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"IKDKFXAT2NBM3OWFY5WYQYQ7VQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913793},"content":"Rathmines,","type":"text"},{"_id":"FANWTE2SKNG6PLQ7YBTRVDQECY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190048},"content":"Dublin 6.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PQBK6XPM6JG4HP7TLEG6OX4YRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190049},"content":"<b>Eclipse the wonder horse</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"W4PJASFYJFAIHJIO5ZYWVSQWZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913798},"content":"Sir, – In an interesting piece on the 18th-century racehorse Eclipse (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/an-irish-diary/2025/02/27/this-wonderful-horse-seems-to-have-been-as-remarkable-in-death-as-in-life-frank-mcnally-on-an-unbeatable-stallion/\" target=\"_self\">An Irishman’s Diary, February 27th</a>), Frank McNally references the great Irish steeplechaser Arkle as being “bought by British royalty”. Not so.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I6GSPKE3KFCIVPLORJG3OZEMGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190051},"content":"Arkle was purchased at Goffs Bloodstock Sales at Ballsbridge in August 1960 for 1,150 guineas by racehorse trainer Tom Dreaper on behalf of Anne, Duchess of Westminster, the former Anne Winifred Sullivan, of Glanmire House, Co Cork, popularly known to her Irish friends by the childhood name of Nancy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ICOXI2N3RRAQVAFELU2H4EBHIY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190052},"content":"Nancy Sullivan was the fourth and last wife of the colourful Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, who died in 1953. She survived him by 50 years, dividing her time between her Scottish and Cheshire estates and her Irish home at Bryanstown, near Maynooth, where Arkle spent his summer holidays during his racing days, often ridden by his owner, an accomplished horsewoman in Co Cork in her youth. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"L7AVQIC6UVGFTGDHIBHEHYMFPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913799},"content":"ALAN SWEETMAN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"C56XE47GBVHA5EGDTXDEII53FA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913800},"content":"Ovoca Road,","type":"text"},{"_id":"OT3T6PRSVNAZ5MNDAEZO55MUW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913801},"content":"Dublin 8.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDQMXIMVZJHS5ILVRRJ6HQP364","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190061},"content":"<b>Demand for ADHD medication</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"FWQMGNZ76FEOBNZPY3E7XUYNNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942375},"content":"Sir, - “For neither is there a comprehensive nationwide, rationally controlled and operated coherent system of care-delivery despite recent policy documents in both cases. What does exist is a ramshackle, ad hoc jumble of poorly-oriented inputs without an overall policy objective or planned programme approach. Unfortunately, all this rebounds on the psychiatric service so that, as a general catchall for fringe medical and social problems, psychiatry has taken up the slack.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ATMRFUAC45F4RBTUIZM3I4LEGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942376},"content":"This is not a recent assessment of ADHD services noted in your front page article (”<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2025/02/27/number-of-adhd-prescriptions-surges-over-past-five-years-as-tsunami-of-demand-overwhelms-services/\" target=\"_self\">Demand for ADHD medication surges by 87%</a>” February, 28th), as having a “tsunami” of demand, overwhelming services.","type":"text"},{"_id":"26ONEEBMCZHA5CKQZVZ5UNYKZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942377},"content":"They are the words of Dr Dermot Walsh on the state of services for the elderly and the intellectually disabled in Ireland in 1991.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KWHIUOI5YZBUXE2S3EXUSBACBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942378},"content":"Despite history and warnings, we are on the ramshackle, ad hoc route, failing to serve adults with ADHD, and overwhelming already under-resourced services for people with schizophrenia, mood and personality disorders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2WNBAICSVHCBBUNT7FBZGAGCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942379},"content":"A comprehensive service for adults with adult ADHD should be funded and operated separately from general psychiatric services. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"BLGRILSJ7BFFJE6ZW5DKLTCMI4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942380},"content":"Dr DECLAN MURRAY","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUWYURMT35DR7C6U4YZBB6LALY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942381},"content":"Portmarnock,","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UAJL66UJFH4JFHCFNK7IB2LUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942382},"content":"Co Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YSD4DRR4UVALVNVT5KAIMNXZ3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190070},"content":"<b>Neutrality in a changing world</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"HWRUDXD6P5GCRKRZRYPKZNR7SQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942384},"content":"Sir, - Echoing Ursula von der Leyen’s statement that Ukraine deserves “peace through strength”, Micheál Martin also tells us that “peace can only be achieved through strength”. Strength has nothing to do with peace. Given Ms von der Leyen’s reputation and her track record, we must assume that when she uses the term “strength” she actually means “military strength”. As Mr Martin is seemingly being influenced on these matters by foreign leaders, we must assume that he too means “military strength”. Military strength has nothing to do with peace.","type":"text"},{"_id":"USB6522XLVE4DFOEUVG6MAGMPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942386},"content":"Ireland must show true “strength” in its adherence to the spirit of Article 29 of our Constitution, which affirms our “adherence to the principle of the pacific settlement of international disputes by international arbitration” – peace is achieved through real communication and dialogue. Military interventions have nothing to do with it. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"FPWJTQT6SZEVTB6IB5TSB52FLU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942387},"content":"ELIZABETH CULLEN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"W64EH2TLQVFK7ADY5HH45UJQRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942388},"content":"Kilcullen,","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7OFXSNH5JEGBNEWH7XD4H4STU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942389},"content":"Co Kildare.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SEQLJU7O4ZAQHGMTYGLVQXCMOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190076},"content":"<b>Pairing arrangements</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"DJHJW2IG2NFWLBYRRZGYJ7Z5QM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913803},"content":"Sir, - Why are members of the Government so upset at the Opposition for withdrawing pairing arrangements? Surely the Government could come to a pairing arrangement with Michael Lowry and the other members of Lowry’s “opposition” group. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"QCDGOWZ6AVFCPM6N6LHKB7FOB4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913806},"content":"SEAMUS KELLY,","type":"text"},{"_id":"G7BJP73VKVFDZDW2MS4BGAJFM4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913807},"content":"Carrick Road,","type":"text"},{"_id":"DFYUIGMBY5ANHNMLLUWPYK4YAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190080},"content":"Dundalk,","type":"text"},{"_id":"ENFFL7LKDVHO5FVEZRY4K7ADW4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190081},"content":"Co Louth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ESMZHCPJZHI5CLCFSOMFK4IGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190082},"content":"<b>The Occupied Territories Bill</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"V7FUNLL3X5HB5AVV54CZQKPGAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942398},"content":"Sir, - In January 2018, the Occupied Territories Bill was tabled in the Oireachtas by Independent Senator Frances Black, arguing for a ban on the import of any and all goods produced in the Israeli-occupied territories. Just over seven years later, the Bill seems to be going nowhere.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZTYOYGC2EVDUHCBALMXLEX3XSQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190084},"content":"The latest obstacle seems to lie with possible conflicts with EU legislation. Whether one agrees with the Bill or not, a big problem with its lack of progress is the fact that nobody seems to know what the “goods” are that we are asked to boycott. What exactly is produced in these illegal settlements that we must avoid? A list of examples would help. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"7MZLKAQY5VCTLH6TZ5WKKHFNIA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190085},"content":"JOE McMINN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"M56NEBNETZBD3JRUP7BYLIFLGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740749942400},"content":"Victoria Gardens,","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5Y2JJ4MEJA6XJMQ3XTBWV3RNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190087},"content":"Belfast,","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHJ2MNEORFHLVFT5IL7XT4FLDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190088},"content":"Co Antrim.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NS76JXW7GRHH3KOB3E54YO5J74","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190089},"content":"<b>‘The guy who runs a restaurant’</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"APVBIKCKYVFJ3PONLEKGS7JFYU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913811},"content":"Sir, - In Ciaran Hancock’s piece “<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/26/owners-of-mcsorleys-in-ranelagh-finalising-deal-to-take-over-wild-goose-restaurant/\" target=\"_self\">New owners of McSorley’s looking to take over restaurant</a>” (Business, February 27th), Noel Anderson, McSorley’s new owner, is quoted as saying: “We’ve just done a deal with the guy who runs a restaurant upstairs,”","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5CYYKBSE5GPZMX2EBOFSI27SI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913814},"content":"The “guy” referenced happens to be Kevin McMahon, the passionate proprietor of the Wild Goose, one of Dublin’s top restaurants with a superb reputation ever since it opened in Ranelagh in 2008. - Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"LVQ7GFTWQNGB7BOGVTGQXPPMSY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913816},"content":"GERRY CROSBIE,","type":"text"},{"_id":"226JYZJARJCSXBFWBZS7R6NQMA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913817},"content":"The Sweepstakes,","type":"text"},{"_id":"UW3757GTSZFJHB4QNQCGCHSST4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740748913818},"content":"Ballsbridge,","type":"text"},{"_id":"5R3FJLOGU5DORBGBRYLTO347NU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740766190095},"content":"Dublin 4.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"While crucial to scrutinise cost overruns on sheds, walls, and scanners, we could also learn from successful projects"},"display_date":"2025-03-01T00:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Letters to the Editor - Saturday, March 1st: National Broadband Plan; attacks on diversity programmes; and Trump’s America ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4","auth":{"1":"1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Letters"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/03/01/letters-to-the-editor-saturday-march-1st-national-broadband-plan-attacks-on-diversity-programmes-and-trumps-america/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/letters","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Letters"}}}},{"_id":"VTQFDD4BDZGWRFKFJDHTSOKE5A","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":72,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/3679e4da-a685-410b-8dce-8afe1fee13b8/versions/1740673224/media/1928ca28e34c1ac3e7c0c2675b911a3f_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/02/28/perhaps-someone-from-the-ministers-office-might-pick-up-the-phone-to-the-national-gallery/","content_elements":[{"_id":"NFWDEDBJZZFXXBBZ5UNTXJTL7U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663770144},"content":"Sir, – <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/patrick-o-donovan\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/patrick-o-donovan\">Patrick O’Donovan</a> tells us that the as-yet-unused scanner in the National Gallery has caused “huge embarrassment” to his department (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/02/25/national-gallerys-unused-120000-scanner-under-scrutiny-ahead-of-arts-department-review/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/02/25/national-gallerys-unused-120000-scanner-under-scrutiny-ahead-of-arts-department-review/\">Minister admits ‘embarrassment’ over scanner</a>”, Home News, February 26th). An Taoiseach describes the purchase of the scanner as “incomprehensible”.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YGQDRAREQJAARBWZJ6CLOLYC3M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663770147},"content":"I wondered about that, too, considering my own home scanner, which cost €150, does everything I need it to. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKO7ADSPKJDXFIHZBR5N7GATT4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Then I read Conor Pope’s very comprehensible explanation of what the incomprehensibly embarrassing scanner actually does (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/02/26/what-is-the-national-gallerys-scanner-that-cost-125000-and-what-would-it-be-used-for/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/02/26/what-is-the-national-gallerys-scanner-that-cost-125000-and-what-would-it-be-used-for/\">Q&A: Painting a complete picture</a>”, Home News, February 27th) and I thought this was a piece of equipment that an ambitious art gallery, which aspired to be “a resource on art for the whole world”, absolutely ought to have. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNNL5CJ4TNBIFB2RTZBM7CUXEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lumping this story in with the failed <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/arts-council/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/arts-council/\">Arts Council</a> computer project and the pay issues at RTÉ completely lacks proportion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ONHXY3CEZBDRBOMRWUR54HULM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663770148},"content":"Perhaps someone from the Minister’s office might pick up the phone to the National Gallery and ask them what they need to get the scanner up and running? The solution might be as simple as that. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"SNCLMN4DXRG2VFTAXLEWQ5CNRM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663770150},"content":"JOHN BEAN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"2NPG2EPC5VGQFHMS2RR2PV23TY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663770151},"content":"Maynooth,","type":"text"},{"_id":"TSO3PJO5FBFSVFROAOXKCZL2CM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Co Kildare","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"X-ray scanner at centre of controversy is piece of equipment that an ambitious art gallery should have"},"display_date":"2025-02-28T06:00:56Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Perhaps someone from the Minister’s office might pick up the phone to the National Gallery?'","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Letter of the Day","url":"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/letter-of-the-day/"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU","auth":{"1":"2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Letters"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/02/28/perhaps-someone-from-the-ministers-office-might-pick-up-the-phone-to-the-national-gallery/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/letters","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Letters"}}}},{"_id":"ETAESV5G7BEJXBRI3VOFBTK6RU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":752,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/e12df003-5ba0-4d8c-8ccc-1ad503df61e2/versions/1740672770/media/cdf8e7f2aa5ead9d3baf2a3f6d464eae_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/02/28/letters-to-the-editor-friday-february-28th-crumbling-sewer-pipes-tackling-educational-disadvantage-trumps-america/","content_elements":[{"_id":"4FYA6GGZVBF2ZAKAU7DBULQDQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Crumbling sewer pipes</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"D66OVWKK2FAQNHHYJFIPAGPALA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044213},"content":"Sir, – The decrepit state of Dublin’s water infrastructure has been well documented in recent years, with Uisce Éireann launching a major pipe-remediation programme to stem the 30 per cent of treated water that leaks away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWKXUXVRG5AJFCJDHOC4V6CDRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044215},"content":"But there is another network of piping infrastructure beneath the city and its suburbs that receives far less media coverage, although it is equally degraded and injurious to public health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DS56VQGCYBGLJIZG7DIBTZRNDQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044216},"content":"With the proliferation of house extensions and the construction of in-fill houses in suburban gardens, the earthenware sewer pipes laid under streets and gardens between 1900 and 1960 must now handle foul-waste capacities far in excess of those for which they were designed.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5NQIU6PZZEU5OZEFDYWTYRQAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044217},"content":"The material itself is brittle and through a combination of age, nearby excavation, and overhead building, many of these foul drains are broken or collapsing. This results in partial or complete blockage and infestation with vermin. Residents report overflow of manholes in gardens, overflowing toilets in houses and rats appearing in toilets, each of which represents a major risk to public health.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IMJV2DTQENDJZKF76GVKCFZRGA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044218},"content":"Where foul drains run under public streets or lands, Uisce Éireann may get involved in the repair and replacement of collapsed pipes but where they run under the gardens of private houses, all residents of the road or terrace are together responsible for maintenance and repairs. With so many parties involved, co-ordinating the repairs between all residents of the line is prohibitive so individual residents may have their own section patched. However, with multiple breaks individual patches may deliver no meaningful improvement.","type":"text"},{"_id":"U5ZTVK7YRNCRHJ6OJU372IHWJA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044219},"content":"In rural areas, where housing has developed with sceptic tanks, the Department of Housing & Environment provides grant funding to incentivise the creation of group sewerage schemes to regularise sewerage into mains for proper treatment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UA5XTHLBZZGV5GU5VQK2G6P2JY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044220},"content":"However, no such incentive schemes are offered in urban or suburban areas, where higher population densities mean the risks to public health are even greater.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ISKJ5HVTTJHXFCTJBQUIJVLXRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044221},"content":"Nobody would argue against incentivising better private sanitation to protect the public and environmental health of our countryside but shouldn’t the same principle apply in more densely populated settings? – Your etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"L6M4AQFFJBCXTCJMCG3FKQWZ6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044223},"content":"Cllr JOHN HURLEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"WAHUCTI5KFHCJGA2UEPALL5CGM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044224},"content":"Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GXJPVF3FLFBGXJQVSV5CYPUTRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"header"},{"_id":"PABOBKOK35GR7NJT5HKQWM7OAA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044226},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"IULORJB6GBE3DA2FBRJ7VONHTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044228},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIKTQ6IRW5D6XFS6PS5U636YWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044229},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQJFF2HMJFBBTC5U3XOYWFEDRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044231},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"3LVP4QJKD5EXBNM5YY2GJEQIPQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044232},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"NISZMMET3NBKDE7SC6BBN76ZNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740672440446},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJIDPFEQGZDH3KXAIKGIJJJRFU","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Tackling educational disadvantage</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"UOOM5HWQXNAN3ARZCHSSQTTEWY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044234},"content":"Sir, – It is with a certain flair and finesse that Dr Brian Fleming and Prof Judith Harford throw down the gauntlet to Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, on two issues that they see the Minister should address without delay – educational disadvantage and the teacher supply crisis (\"<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/02/24/two-issues-on-helen-mcentees-desk-will-provide-an-early-clue-to-her-ambitions-as-minister-for-education/\" target=\"_self\">Two issues the new Minister should address without delay</a>”, Education, February 25th).","type":"text"},{"_id":"LIDGRCWPJBE6NMPUOT2UMSARTU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044236},"content":"Taking just the first of these issues, the UCD duo give an astute assessment of the limitations of the DEIS plan as a response to educational disadvantage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2D7EN6Z6PBABHI4GX5V62BCNQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044237},"content":"Following her recent appointment, Ms McEntee identified educational disadvantage as one of her priorities. This is very much welcome and she should be consoled that a lot of the ground work has already been done to assist her in this area.","type":"text"},{"_id":"56YUXCQP7BBAPFNF3TK5J6QAUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044238},"content":"Back in 2002, there was considerable interest in and enthusiasm about the Educational Disadvantage Committee (EDC) when it was established. During its three-year life, the committee produced four written submissions to the Minister for Education as well as a report from the forum. The submissions covered a variety of topics, including how educational disadvantage might be identified and defined for the purpose of targeting resources.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RVMZUVLIRD2JD6MQPVNIRQNZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044240},"content":"In fact, Dr Fleming, Prof Harford and another eminent educationalist, Prof Emeritus Áine Hyland, wrote a paper a few years ago reflecting on 100 years of educational policy in Ireland in which they adeptly described the missed opportunities associated with the EDC and its reports in tandem with the introduction of the DEIS plan.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YALHOLHKIBEWLOCS23TURV5EFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044241},"content":"Fleming, Harford and Hyland state that, at senior levels in the Department of Education, the existence of an expert group on educational disadvantage with statutory authority was not viewed with enthusiasm. This became absolutely clear when an announcement by the Government came in 2008 that a formal statutory committee was no longer required to advise on education and disadvantage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHDWJVWZP5D7NMNNW6JGTHZYSM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044242},"content":"The work of the EDC was not recognised in any formal way. Almost none of the report’s recommendations were implemented, and educational disadvantage was quietly taken off the agenda of the Department of Education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OHPOHY2IWFCG7EU6G43LSB67CU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044243},"content":"If the new Minister for Education really wishes to prioritise educational disadvantage then it is time for her to do her homework and excavate the reports and the recommendations from the EDC. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"3JOVMXS6DNEI7MEE3E22LWY5KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044245},"content":"JOHN McHUGH","type":"text"},{"_id":"KNGITD7LWZCAHLB33KKRPJAPOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044246},"content":"Principal, Ardscoil Rís,","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYHA6Q774JGP3KLJQB4X2UVYRY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044247},"content":"Griffith Avenue,","type":"text"},{"_id":"N5EJ4W5IB5EBHKNZBDXECWODUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740672440459},"content":"Dublin 9.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCGURBH2ERDX3NFUQSDG2KAQRI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Ukraine’s minerals</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"E7IFSLQKUNCPZKSR7E7KOT4ECI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044258},"content":"Sir, – Not only has Russia invaded Ukraine taking huge swathes of land but now Trump wants to sign a deal to rob Ukraine of its natural resources including coal and rare earth metals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XICPSW6YW5DBVLDT4SYXAKECGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044260},"content":"The proposed deal by Trump will only serve to compound Ukraine’s losses and destroy the country for future generations to come.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYOMY7QLBJC6BJMKFUEKS2Z6WU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044261},"content":"Trump has no allegiance to Ukraine; the absence of any security guarantees makes the deal worthless. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"KUYQZI7KEZBZLFYLRNZLIH7YZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044263},"content":"RICHARD COFFEY","type":"text"},{"_id":"D2RQOTULUJBGBKRK6KXLHPYJJE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044264},"content":"Terenure,","type":"text"},{"_id":"EPJFPD5SZFFUJC6GSVZNUEEECI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740672440474},"content":"Dublin 6.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CB4W6HIWXVF3DJE6DLTMRFVC6A","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Trump’s America</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"YASONNGODNDHXJJQUMAFUJ3HZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044266},"content":"Sir, – So Michael McDowell thinks the grotesque reality of Trump’s ambitions has exceeded the worst predictions (”<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/26/so-far-the-grotesque-reality-of-trumps-ambitions-has-exceeded-all-the-worst-predictions/\" target=\"_self\">Could Trump run as Vance’s running mate?</a>” Opinion, February 26th).","type":"text"},{"_id":"VR7FPQ6U7RDQTEYAT4375DESRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044267},"content":"I beg to disagree.","type":"text"},{"_id":"D3SCZ4DYQZAQ3PX4XTKDBYEVLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044268},"content":"Within weeks of coming to office Trump has effectively ended a three-year unwinnable war involving a major nuclear power that has cost a million lives and hundreds of billions of dollars.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BALXKVPNUZGLDMQL5NALTCM3QQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044269},"content":"The idea that he’s enabling Putin’s ambitions elsewhere in eastern Europe is risible nonsense – it’s taken him three years of feeding the bodies of Russian and North Korean soldiers into the meat grinder to just achieve near stalemate in a single region of one country.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2H7A5TNTABHHLJGOLKOHY5MGVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044270},"content":"And even Trump’s very threat of him coming to office has forced Hamas to release hostages, alive and dead, in the Middle East.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HEOFCFK7MBES7ADVAR7ME7JX2Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044271},"content":"He’s also finally persuaded Europe, via Nato, to meet their agreed responsibilities to finance their own defence – something successive US presidents have consistently failed to do.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NQPQ7J5C3VBCNCEIFHZCCPKCXY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044272},"content":"Domestically he has virtually sealed off the flood of illegal migrants across the Mexican border, deported armed and dangerous criminals, and is now engaged in a comprehensive defenestration of his country’s bloated federal government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B72N4X7AFCSVI76EQ56BH5J4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044273},"content":"All this has been achieved in less than six weeks and the contrast with the inept Biden administration is stark.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LHLAGOJXWNGKDOOOKRLQBF4P5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044274},"content":"Trump was elected on a promise to look after America’s interests first and he’s carrying out that promise to voters. You never know, it might even catch on with politicians over here. – Yours etc","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6U3XUSKPZAB3JIFQZDQDGLZGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044277},"content":"KEN ANDREW","type":"text"},{"_id":"2B2MU4EVSJDQPFJFJDIAYD5U5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044278},"content":"Cobh,","type":"text"},{"_id":"26P7ONNE6VBU3PDOBQ55WPY5GY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740672440487},"content":"Co Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RPLNOWXFJNAYPGMPM7V4NLMEH4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Dáil speaking rights</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"PAF3B6KC25CONE67JKFWXAX7W4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044280},"content":"Sir, – Tariffs loom large with the resulting possibility of an economic downturn, a war rages in Ukraine and instability remains in the middle-east.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W3JGVPDSINFRPCFN472BQ3CEBA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044282},"content":"Domestically, our health service and issues of homelessness continue to present challenges while in the midst of this, the opposition continues to whine about Dáil speaking rights.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QKLKANLOLNFWNDDON3EFIHGRGY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044283},"content":"They are starting to give Nero a good name. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKK4A4IXCVCWFDBCO5DYFBTNZM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044285},"content":"NEVILLE SCARGILL","type":"text"},{"_id":"CL22IGAIANFUZIXEDHFLXJXAOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044286},"content":"Bray,","type":"text"},{"_id":"4FYFFA6XJBA37FL4SWPMWSAQSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044287},"content":"Co Wicklow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FGBWTHXXZJFFRDBYFAMYG7NTII","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044288},"content":"Sir, – Government TDs get to ask as many questions as they like at their private parliamentary meetings every week! They can make contributions that are not time restricted, on any topic they care to identify.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X4IKBSBA5BFGJKZWV2JEJWPQFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044290},"content":"In addition, they have unfettered access to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and all of the Government Ministers, which may provide them with information that may never be available to other members of the Dáil.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHI7ZINTDBCATJ6ZF3W5VXSKCA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044291},"content":"How are they being penalised by the allocation of speaking rights? – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2L2HETZAZCIVJVDUIB5TFQLNM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044293},"content":"DIARMUID O’CINNEIDE","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJ2YSBUADFH4FCJQ56SEQLO35A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044294},"content":"Garryowen,","type":"text"},{"_id":"WYTVHDT3HFCL3A3JVGIF64E54A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044295},"content":"Limerick.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QYDDRARM75A2BPNPCXLOSUWGNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Reviving the Irish language</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"AYJ436SHSBG77ITV5LAJSQMFC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044297},"content":"Sir, – In the1950s and 1960s, hundreds of family members from the Connemara Gaeltacht had to emigrate to England and the US to seek employment. Most did not have a word of English. A woman working in the buffet at Ceannt Station, Galway, during this time told me how sad it was to see them all heading off on the train while their relations and friends stood on the platform waving them off with tears in their eyes, maybe never to see them again.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6G6ODRCWWFBCZH5DN6EESEMXDI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044298},"content":"Maybe the battle to save the Irish language died in those years. Patrick Pearse declared “Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam, A country without a language is a country without a soul.” Has Ireland lost its soul? Have we traded Ireland’s soul for 30 pieces of silver?","type":"text"},{"_id":"AGVBKBCTRFFETL7M3WM7LP6BR4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044299},"content":"Nowadays there are all sorts of government grants and funding to promote the Irish language, creating jobs in the process. In Gaeltacht areas most of these high-end jobs are not given to the native Irish speakers, they are given to those with “Book Irish” coming from outside the Gaeltacht areas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7QSOHHRY4NB63PMUW6IZNA6SXE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044300},"content":"These Connemara areas were treated with a sheer lack of urgency during and after the devastation of the recent Storm Éowyn. This is evidence of how little value we place on our real native speakers who live in this beautiful area which frequently takes the brunt of wild gales during winter months.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QWFCOWLA5JBCTK6IGSRXLHO76A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044301},"content":"A country’s language survives because the ordinary “Seán agus Shelia” love it, and love to speak it. It has nothing to do with funding or lack of funding. After all, the Danes have held on to the Danish language without funding. – Yours etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"WWEQRO62M5GJBOUHWAE3PJS6MA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044303},"content":"NUALA NOLAN","type":"text"},{"_id":"3COZIIXUVZHI5IRF2E2PJWI2DE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044304},"content":"Bowling Green,","type":"text"},{"_id":"WXLAN57QMFGBNFP6Z3TF63M7FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044305},"content":"Galway.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KPWO3LOYAJB2NFQAJJJQMYOF3Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>A cabin in the garden</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"3HOFU6YEFBFMZCRTLOB24XF3E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044307},"content":"Sir, – This Government appears to be panicking in the face of the recent revelation about inaccurate housing completion numbers for 2024.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPRDTKJMIBHPHARO7JNNEX44KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044309},"content":"So, to keep us all guessing and distracted, a kite is flown about sheds in the garden. This may be a useful temporary initiative but is not a serious response to an emergency.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MUWKAKQW7FHGNFO63HEEADB4M4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044310},"content":"There is an effective intervention that is yet to be implemented; the short-term lets regulation. If implemented, up to 12,000 accommodation units could be released for long-term lets or to the residential housing market. Its implementation has been delayed for a number of years, most recently by the European Union in its requirement to harmonise short-term lettings regulation across the EU. As I understand it, this obstacle has now been removed. Instead of flying kites, the Government could show us some proof of its intention to resolve the housing crisis by implementing this legalisation with immediate effect. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y2PJDSKOJBEPHFWQ53J345UO5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044312},"content":"AILBHE MURRAY","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MHVPLNGERAL7DITDQ2WOIC5IM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044313},"content":"Cabinteely,","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4SNJLMVIFEBLBHMHZWRFHEEPI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044314},"content":"Dublin 18.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y56ER522RREINOTPNFJLW7C6AI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Death of Bik McFarlane</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZXB7FNI3AFBWDIQ7R6PVDWAHTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044316},"content":"Sir, – The tributes paid by the Sinn Féin leadership,, North and South, on the death of Brendan “Bik” McFarlane, a convicted IRA terrorist and murderer, confirm the total unsuitability for such a political party becoming part of a government in the Republic of Ireland.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QOO3UFO5QZH7XMC7EGUHCZBWWE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044318},"content":"They should repudiate the tarnished past of their military wing that is the IRA before aspiring to become part of the government of the democracy that is the Irish republic. – Yours etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"67OFPTLTNZBJXBT7ZRB4ARDZF4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044320},"content":"ADRIAN HONAN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HDZRJU5DVFZVBPDQTLWPK5ETA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044321},"content":"Portarlington,","type":"text"},{"_id":"KK735WGMURAE7IZZLFIQYU623I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044322},"content":"Co Laois.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XP7NQ3BLOBBGBMODKC2RHWFJ24","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Traveller and Roma communities</b>","type":"header"},{"_id":"DUBSDQELVNEZ5CC4WNGMZ6WIFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044324},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"H2VBMXMMNVEIXIK6S46CC3ICTA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044325},"content":"Sir, – The recent report from The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe as highlighted by your newspaper today (”‘Structural’ <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2025/02/25/racism-permeates-all-aspects-of-roma-and-traveller-lives-in-ireland-is-consensus-view-european-report-finds/\" target=\"_self\">racism hinders Travellers’ rights – report</a>”, Home News, Wed 26th) is again another damning indictment in how we treat the Roma and Traveller communities. To say that “Structural Racism” hinders access to basic rights for the aforementioned casts a horrible reflection on us all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7LV7RV7FBVBJPL2EX57QPVC4Z4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044326},"content":"I am ashamed to say that my Government treats people in this way. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"SW3NYTMMIFD4ZICBOYR3CXZIGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044328},"content":"PAUL DORAN","type":"text"},{"_id":"U6IHAC6WEJGIRDBXP6CXVHGEAY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044329},"content":"Clondalkin,","type":"text"},{"_id":"7HHL4JCQFRCS5IX6UGX7ED3AQI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740663044330},"content":"Dublin 22.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"“Many of Dublin’s foul drains are broken or collapsing”"},"display_date":"2025-02-28T00:05:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Letters to the Editor - Friday, February 28th: Crumbling sewer pipes; tackling educational disadvantage; Trump’s America","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4","auth":{"1":"1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Letters"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/02/28/letters-to-the-editor-friday-february-28th-crumbling-sewer-pipes-tackling-educational-disadvantage-trumps-america/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/letters","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Letters"}}}},{"_id":"NABBAETF6VCM7KJJDWILGHNHOI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":865,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/18fb555f-5713-40a0-9ba8-408fb77520a4/versions/1740594021/media/823b25f7eeb014c7870ec58cb799b33a_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/02/27/letters-to-the-editor-february-27th-neutrality-in-a-changing-world-ai-in-irish-education-the-national-gallerys-scanner/","content_elements":[{"_id":"O5V3BURBWBA77G2BXFSIU47FL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Neutrality in a changing world","type":"header"},{"_id":"ECAHEPOYVNAJLPLJNI2YEMYMTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569673},"content":"Sir, – Since when did the veto powers of the United Nations security council members become a plausible argument against the triple lock? An argument, indeed, that is rarely challenged. The veto has been operational since the UN was founded in 1946, and the same countries still make up the permanent members. This was all in situ when Ireland joined the UN in 1955 and when our policy of adhering to UN rules and regulations was developed. It was always accepted by Ireland – and, indeed, most countries – that the UN is not perfect but is the best we have got.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7S46XE4TNBDXVALVARRN45SMCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569675},"content":"The veto was a necessary tool to ensure that no single power could end up dictating UN policy, which would, ultimately, destroy the UN. The triple lock was introduced at the time of the Nice Treaty to reassure the electorate here that our existing policy would remain as it was.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XTZD6XOCIVDVBJORI2KFNGVEXM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569676},"content":"So what has changed? It is us, of course. We have realigned ourselves more and more with the US/European alliance as our economic and political relationships have deepened. We are, in the process, jettisoning all our non-aligned “baggage” which has, up to now, given us some moral weight in international affairs. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"XKB35TPLTRHXTPNJRN22MF6RAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569678},"content":"MARK O’HANLON,","type":"text"},{"_id":"26SG3SDYFJF6NDMPLT46YHH6QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569679},"content":"Greystones,","type":"text"},{"_id":"GPWCRF5KIVGELLQFEAARMWE42I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569680},"content":"Co. Wicklow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QGJ2OEKCTNBS7O4JI4EQVQWNXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298772},"content":"Sir, – I suggest that Kieran McNulty (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2025/02/26/letters-to-the-editor-february-26th-neutrality-and-a-changing-world-shamrock-diplomacy-hassan-nasrallah-and-human-rights/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2025/02/26/letters-to-the-editor-february-26th-neutrality-and-a-changing-world-shamrock-diplomacy-hassan-nasrallah-and-human-rights/\">Letters, February 26th</a>) is seriously misreading the situation when he suggests that the ultimate aim of Government and mass media is to join Nato. On the contrary, the realisation has finally dawned on many that the senior member of that alliance is no longer to be relied upon as a guarantor of European security. The current “persistent campaign” is simply a long-overdue debate as to how Europe generally, and Ireland in particular, should respond to the new geopolitical realities. The votes cast by the US in the recent UN Security Council and General Assembly votes on the invasion of Ukraine highlight the urgency of the situation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TO7YC7CUNBGQTKCJCMBKVYQXCE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569653},"content":"Your correspondent quotes James Connolly. Within six months of his Tralee speech, he was one of seven signatories to the 1916 Proclamation, which explicitly referenced the support given by “gallant <i>allies </i>in Europe” to the Rising. Needs must. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"VEVUNFGP5RFPFMSU5C3OCDNWC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569655},"content":"MICHAEL O’DWYER,","type":"text"},{"_id":"DMBATF44DBH5DJKRQ7NCZCJLNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569656},"content":"Clogheen,","type":"text"},{"_id":"RIQYKV256FHVFO6YB3O3K2HHOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569657},"content":"Cork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NR22LIC6BNGH7IQI46LJ6VN2ZE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569658},"content":"Sir, – Kieran McNulty invokes James Connolly and a speech he gave in Tralee in 1915 as a reason to enshrine our neutrality in the Constitution.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RFCYFWMDHRG7BN243YFFMOR4N4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569659},"content":"Contrary to popular belief, Ireland is not neutral. We are aligned with Europe as part of the EU.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQONOI3IWJDL3P25345TXNRIA4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569660},"content":"Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent call for a European army to counter Russia’s aggression following Donald Trump’s about-face on supporting Ukraine was immediately shot down by Micheál Martin. Many brave men have fought for and on behalf of this country. We do them an injustice by our continued refusal to acknowledge that freedom is never a given and can be taken away from us at any time through the actions of tyrants and dictators far from Irish shores.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44GWMFSJIRGBLCQKJSULCHVGZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569662},"content":"Young men in particular are drawn to the macho posturing of Trump and Andrew Tate. Wouldn’t it be a lot more useful and productive if instead we armed our young people with the technology and skills to defend our hard-won freedoms. If that involves taking up arms as part of a Europe-wide military alliance, then so be it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EHOBRWIT65DRNGTRLJWQYYZKZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569663},"content":"The pacifist ideals of Gandhi have little relevance in the dangerous geopolitical world we live in today. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"WFVFS5XROFCKLE6MZUJ3CO4W4M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569665},"content":"TOM McELLIGOTT,","type":"text"},{"_id":"7KNZLOTSXFHOBC6U36EJ5OXTHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569666},"content":"Listowel,","type":"text"},{"_id":"TVVTYRKGGJDJ3IJORZAZSV5JBI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569667},"content":"Co Kerry.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ALBSZYYL4RHAZB4M2EO64XVFOE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569668},"content":"Sir, – If I agree on some points with Nick Armstrong’s letter (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2025/02/25/letters-to-the-editor-february-25th-on-trump-europe-and-ukraine-irish-rugby-jerseys-and-the-future-of-casement-park/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2025/02/25/letters-to-the-editor-february-25th-on-trump-europe-and-ukraine-irish-rugby-jerseys-and-the-future-of-casement-park/\">Letters, April 25th</a>) and its belief that a Russian threat to Europe is exaggerated in a relatively near future, I find it very shortsighted on the long term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UX2HNW7FNBHX7CPNNH2MEO6JDA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569669},"content":"One thing the present US government is showing without any ambiguity is that the time has come for Europe to stop relying on its present and future support in times of conflict. EU countries need to increase their defence forces and armament and, while its leaders will naturally look after their countries’ interests, a united front should be among their goals and given an importance which is not always obvious. This isn’t an arms race, it is all about strength which is, as Nato has proven over several decades, the best deterrent to possess and, with growing powers in the world, essential to Europe’s future survival.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OS53AHZBTJFSXMLBYHNBXY4DWA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569670},"content":"With a population similar to that of Ireland and a history of conflicts with the Soviet Union, Finland has built an enviable defence force and yet enjoys the number one spot over several years as the world’s happiest country. If Ireland asked, Finland may agree to share its secret! – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"CMWO5MRNA5EI7D3HE4JRLPDIBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569671},"content":"ELISABETH WOGAN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"KG2QC2FPAVDQTKTNWVKSYKX57M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569672},"content":"Station Road,","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHOZHVPSMFBERLO4PAKSQPAPIM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298792},"content":"Portmarnock,","type":"text"},{"_id":"6LCX5PBAD5EOJGYQAIIJWQOKFE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298793},"content":"Co Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FQLKHQZCXZCSPI6JQ6OO7Q34UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"AI in Irish education","type":"header"},{"_id":"BWGUYOKHDZAXTKY4VBTRUOT5EE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569682},"content":"Sir, – The recent article on AI in Irish education (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/02/04/irish-schools-struggling-without-guidance-on-safe-ai-use-in-the-classroom/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/02/04/irish-schools-struggling-without-guidance-on-safe-ai-use-in-the-classroom/\">Irish schools struggling without guidance on safe AI use in the classroom</a>”, Education, February 4th) rightly highlights the challenges teachers face in navigating artificial intelligence without clear ethical frameworks or guidance. However, while regulatory compliance under the EU AI Act is essential, we must look beyond merely meeting legal requirements. Ireland has an opportunity – indeed, an obligation – to become a leader in human-centric AI adoption in education rather than lagging behind in reactive policymaking.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVXBC2YIPNAM7DL7LTWK2BGMZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569684},"content":"AI is not simply another digital tool; it is a paradigm shift that will redefine how knowledge is acquired, assessed and applied. The real challenge is not just regulatory literacy among educators but a fundamental shift in curriculum design, teacher training, and student competency development. The EU AI Act classifies education-based AI as high risk, yet without proactive investment in teacher and student AI literacy, we risk stifling innovation while failing to protect students from AI-driven misinformation, bias and unethical data use.","type":"text"},{"_id":"V4O2NYACDFFPHCUAS3T2PZVTOY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569685},"content":"Rather than focusing solely on risk assessment and compliance, why are we not developing a national AI roadmap for education? Other countries, such as Singapore, Estonia and Finland, have already embedded AI literacy as a core competency from primary school onward.","type":"text"},{"_id":"I5VBFPQ4QBA5FH3R5N35YBBYZY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569686},"content":"Ireland should be leading in designing AI-powered, adaptive learning environments, ensuring AI tools are both approved for safe use and leveraged effectively to enhance teaching. AI has the potential to reduce administrative burdens on teachers, personalise student learning experiences, and equip young people with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate an AI-driven world.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T6XFDJAKMJFNVAKX66W6PJCR5Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569687},"content":"The current lack of structured AI training for teachers is not just a compliance issue, it is an educational emergency. Schools need nationally approved AI tools, a professional development framework for AI literacy, and clear integration strategies aligned with learning outcomes. We must move beyond reactionary discussions of risk and towards a vision where AI is an asset, not an adversary, in education.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ROXNCMIGXFDTXPMWNRQOLIZLD4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569688},"content":"Ireland has the talent and resources to be at the forefront of AI in education. But we need urgency, foresight and leadership. We cannot afford to passively let AI shape education. We must actively shape how AI is used to benefit students and teachers alike. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"JH23N5ZX2JDZNMO6DTTAVBHFOA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569689},"content":"","type":"text"},{"_id":"7TLOZE5Z2FASXPXJY2WTMEYF6Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569690},"content":"ANGELA CURRAN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"2U7XNNIPG5C7TDJRNPQTAX3RWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569691},"content":"Guidance Counsellor & Immersive Technologies ICT Team","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4D3MQJI45C2HNNEU6VFZN64FU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569692},"content":"Belvedere College SJ,","type":"text"},{"_id":"RR3SGLG6OBENBMCT5TF47G6YBM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298806},"content":"Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ZUKOBHS65HTXG34UA3LOQPKOM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The National Gallery’s scanner","type":"header"},{"_id":"ROTZSXLYIZEJJJLIKB37DNMX6I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569700},"content":"Sir, – Does an ill-judged purchase of a specialist X-ray machine for €129,000 really merit a top place as an item on RTÉ’s nine o’clock news?","type":"text"},{"_id":"UTVTSGPCDRFWZK5SZF6YPOJBOM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569702},"content":"Are we seriously comparing the purchase of an X-ray machine in the National Gallery with the waste of €7 million on an IT system in the Arts council?","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDC3CIDPKNCHZHUZHZQDBIVS7E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569703},"content":"We still own the machine; we will never own the Arts Council’s IT system. And it’s a fraction of the cost. One suspects this Minister is trying to make a name for himself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5MPBGNIJGFEPLMM3YTE5NRNEAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569704},"content":"Neither do I empathise with the outrage of the Tánaiste.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PEDQTOM5AJDOFLF2R46MX2AONQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569705},"content":"Relax lads – find a real windmill to tilt at. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"WLDOSCNHMFBHRL5PIZ7ASOQE7Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569706},"content":"ART V McGANN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"NUJKLB7CWRF4DLHOMIBDP36YUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569707},"content":"Hollybrook Road,","type":"text"},{"_id":"NXIMWGSZRVCOJJG63N5ETQDOLM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569708},"content":"Clontarf.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQSL4HDZCJBSVE2IC6XUPULTZA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569709},"content":"Sir, – The outrage of the various Government representatives over an X-ray machine that has not been used since purchase eight years ago by the National Gallery is laughable. Where is the similar level of outrage and calls for urgent review and reform regarding the multimillion medical scanners that are sitting underused, and in some cases unused, in our public hospitals due to lack of resources and arcane work practices in the health service?","type":"text"},{"_id":"F75EPNUI3VHW7CCP5HBWNOP5HE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569711},"content":"The Minister for Arts is doing a wonderful distraction job for his Government colleagues – perhaps his talents could be rewarded by an Arts Council grant for a conjuror? – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"RAAEW4RCUBH7ZG2J2USKRV5XHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298826},"content":"DAVID LOUGHLIN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"UHS4B44OGBDIRATOKDL7UYTUWQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569714},"content":"Rathmines,","type":"text"},{"_id":"O2B2HBYL3NHK3MSZQXMFFXO5WA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298828},"content":"Dublin 6.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUZRLUXVWVDGFBZPLYSSWHC2IU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Knowing the signs of ageing","type":"header"},{"_id":"EIEI2YYBYVESHI4SMAPFZR37DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569717},"content":"Sir, – I read that planning permission has been granted for a nursing home to be built on the site of the former Warwick Hotel in Salthill, Galway (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/12/famous-galway-music-venue-to-become-nursing-home/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/02/12/famous-galway-music-venue-to-become-nursing-home/\">Well-known Galway music venue set to become nursing home</a>”, Business, February 13th). Just in time for us who danced the night away there in the 1960s to make a reservation. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"YBYCY3URMRHABLBYRAKQBSAWNA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298831},"content":"MAUREEN BOURKE,","type":"text"},{"_id":"UWAQMC2J3FDXPJPFJNPFRR4XFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298832},"content":"Drogheda,","type":"text"},{"_id":"WBXEBQRZ35BRNCGSWYAAPERNHA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298833},"content":"Co Louth.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P7VCK2IHNHTHFK4DTMPDDSCXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Trump’s America","type":"header"},{"_id":"BIWV56RUMZBWZEZ67QLQMCQVVQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569720},"content":"Sir, – Daniel Geary paints a sobering picture of the US’s political inertia in the face of Donald Trump’s increasingly authoritarian rule (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/26/america-is-suffering-from-an-epidemic-of-mass-cowardice/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/26/america-is-suffering-from-an-epidemic-of-mass-cowardice/\">US is suffering from an epidemic of mass cowardice</a>”, February 26th). The lack of large-scale resistance, especially when compared to the Women’s March of 2017, is striking. But if history teaches us anything, it is that political apathy is never a lasting condition.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KJOEZUT3KBD6FFA5ZOJ2SJTNNQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569721},"content":"It may seem now that Americans have chosen emotional and exhausted self-preservation over collective action, but the weight of Trump’s actions will not go unnoticed forever. The moment he overreaches – whether by attempting to suspend elections, curtail press freedoms even further or, heaven forbid, commission his own face on Mount Rushmore – public passivity will give way to mass outrage. A resistance movement, when it finally comes, may arrive late but will likely be all the more ferocious for its delay. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"KGFKNCJ4INCQRDKXEEHDS2GU74","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569722},"content":"ENDA CULLEN,","type":"text"},{"_id":"FJZPNTI6KBB5ZCDFIFQIWRETC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569723},"content":"Armagh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VU4UFWNKMRHKFJEKXHVDHPQNVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569724},"content":"Sir, – Apparently president Trump, a teetotaller, likes his minerals. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"QK7IAOQDPZDKJMVCKK7EW74X5M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569726},"content":"AIDAN FEIGHERY,","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCG23B77FJHRPEIQ5SOUI2YCUM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569727},"content":"Dún Laoghaire,","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHDK4RFULZDJFH2ZPVGRZQCLNI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298844},"content":"Co Dublin.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBPYVBCTWNEIFP7BOEE5LWSJLQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569729},"content":"Sir, – Michael McDowell (“<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/26/so-far-the-grotesque-reality-of-trumps-ambitions-has-exceeded-all-the-worst-predictions/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/02/26/so-far-the-grotesque-reality-of-trumps-ambitions-has-exceeded-all-the-worst-predictions/\">So far the grotesque reality of Trump’s ambitions has exceeded all the worst predictions</a>” Opinion, February 26th) raises a concern that Donald Trump may try to subvert the US constitutional prohibition on an American president running for a third term.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBZOQDCNAJA4TNVJOG764KWUEI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569730},"content":"He suggests that he could try to do this by running as vice-presidential candidate to JD Vance in the next presidential election. This would be with the intention of staying in the White House as de facto president.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WL734MX23JDJLP7DOBKX5CJIEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569731},"content":"The US constitution, however, gives some hope to those of us who support the rule of law. The 12th amendment, which mainly deals with the constitutional procedure for electing a president, also contains an important qualifying provision. The amendment’s final sentence reads: “But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of president shall be eligible to that of vice-president of the United States.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZFKDDPOGXFFH7FYB27AA7CTU2I","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569732},"content":"This suggests that Trump, having served two terms as president, would be constitutionally ineligible to stand as vice-president in the absence of a constitutional amendment. The US constitution’s framers intended amendments to be rare and reserved for matters of unique national importance. The constitution has been amended only 27 times since it was drafted in 1787, and an amendment can only be achieved by securing a majority of two-thirds in a vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by at least three-quarters of the states. Both seem improbable.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4AQ4QSZUK5HURPFQKYWWH5IEMU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569733},"content":"Of-course, the US constitution is subject to interpretation, ultimately, by the US supreme court, and its current majority is conservative and has been amenable to legal arguments in favour of the sitting president. Whether it would be as sympathetic to a blatant attempt to subvert the rules on presidential terms, which reflect a convention first established by the US’s first president, George Washington, is another question. – Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"HDWL3NMGMZCSXIFP4RKD2EBACA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569734},"content":"PAUL COOPER,","type":"text"},{"_id":"KA2AHGN2CJG7ZHZVXW4D47BZII","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569735},"content":"Liverpool,","type":"text"},{"_id":"VQ3CMS4UQFEOXLZIRUBPQ2XIFI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569736},"content":"UK.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKCKPQNBANFH5OZ37XIO4FRK54","additional_properties":{},"content":"Airport tannoys","type":"header"},{"_id":"256JF5QI3JHCXAOTTM6IBNSHUU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569739},"content":"Sir, – Your correspondent Eamonn Kennan (<a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2025/02/26/letters-to-the-editor-february-26th-neutrality-and-a-changing-world-shamrock-diplomacy-hassan-nasrallah-and-human-rights/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2025/02/26/letters-to-the-editor-february-26th-neutrality-and-a-changing-world-shamrock-diplomacy-hassan-nasrallah-and-human-rights/\">Letters, February 26th</a>) blames age-related hearing loss for a struggle to understand airport tannoy announcements.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IVNDVZ7OMZEFLB3FA54DJVSXWM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569741},"content":"I would like to assure him that many of these announcements are equally unintelligible to the rest of us.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SC532MBYLNDF3KLSWXFM2UGXO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740581569742},"content":"In recent years many airports have begun to eliminate most if not all tannoy announcements in favour of display screens – often described as a “quiet airport” policy. I hold out some hope that this improvement will find its way to Irish airports eventually. Yours, etc,","type":"text"},{"_id":"QZUXXYM7TBDMVCBDETUIX7WWZ4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298859},"content":"Richard Bannister,","type":"text"},{"_id":"P465DNOJXRCK3J32XS4A5FM7LU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298860},"content":"Cunnaberry Hill,","type":"text"},{"_id":"U37FIG5UYZCCTADEKQ46U6E7KM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740591298861},"content":"Kildare.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"Since when did the veto powers of the UN security council members become a plausible argument against the triple lock?"},"display_date":"2025-02-27T07:35:19.404Z","headlines":{"basic":"Letters to the Editor, February 27th: Neutrality in a changing world; AI in Irish education; the National Gallery’s scanner","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4","auth":{"1":"1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Letters"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/opinion/letters/2025/02/27/letters-to-the-editor-february-27th-neutrality-in-a-changing-world-ai-in-irish-education-the-national-gallerys-scanner/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/opinion/letters","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Letters"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"8190dc37dced1af76de14862102dc17169b3fdde542ae230725feedd06e1ae3b"},"expires":1740812754081,"lastModified":1740812452409}},"most-popular":{"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"section\":0,\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"5GAVBJXIIZDBZLIBSFAVTXMKH4","canonical_url":"/culture/film/2025/02/26/george-clooney-i-told-amal-i-can-still-do-everything-i-did-when-i-was-30-but-in-30-years-im-90-thats-a-real-number/","display_date":"2025-02-26T05:56:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"George Clooney: ‘I told Amal, I can still do everything I did when I was 30. 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