Beware – it’s time to look after No.1 now
AS time marches on, it is becoming more likely that Britain will leave the European Union, with or without having a deal with the EU accepted.
Hence, the time has arrived for every person of this island who is entitled to vote – I include the whole 32 counties – to think for themselves.
Globally, politicians are renowned for attending to their own interests with the taxpayers’ interests taking second place.
Now Britain and Ireland have been harmoniously trading with each other for as long as I remember (even including the periods of the Troubles).
I therefore find it inconceivable that anyone can believe that a ‘frictionless border control’ is unattainable in this day and age.
The people of this planet are protected/controlled by 24-hour automatic audio/visual foolproof recording systems that would bypass any requirement for a physical border.
Now, when the chips are down, the Republic of Ireland’s voice in the European Union is minor, i.e. being one in union of 26 or 27 other countries.
Yes, I do acknowledge that at the present time the Republic of Ireland is receiving plenty of attention from the EU but the reason for this is to thwart Britain departing from the European Union and nothing else.
In conclusion, should Britain leave the EU, and it is very conceivable that it will, I ask, where does the European Union go then? It was not politicians who activated Britain’s departure from the EU. No, it was due to 17million ordinary British citizens of the four countries that form the United Kingdom.
For the first time in my life I hope to witness a positive change in society brought about at the behest of the people and not politicians. HARRY STEPHENSON,
Kircubbin, Co. Down.
Decision time
THE Constitution is simple, but abortion, medical decisions and people in general are complicated.
Let medical professionals do their jobs with an appropriate and well-thought-out legislation and free from trying to be experts in Constitutional law on top of everything else. We can do better. We’re intelligent enough to build the legislation that truly loves both.
A Yes vote is the middle ground that allows us to ensure equality for the child in the womb and yet allow our own citizens make the terrible but necessary medical or personal decisions that are sometimes required in life.
The sky will not fall down on Ireland if we vote to repeal the Eighth Amendment. Life will carry on as normal for most. But it will change in the best way for those that need it.
SEAMUS CONWELL, Co. Mayo. ...WOMEN who suffer as a result of abortion have not been heard in the debate around repealing the Eighth Amendment. Perhaps their voices, their stories, their honesty do not sit well with those who are in favour of repealing the amendment.
Their stories make real the disastrous lifelong consequences of having an abortion.
The Eighth Amendment has protected 100,000 unborn lives and shielded their parents from the angst that can follow having an abortion.
It is refreshing to hear those women as they add so much reality to the issue.
BER MORGAN, Cork.
The games people play
HAVING successfully avoided a certain ‘celeb’ wedding event at Windsor on Saturday, I waited patiently for the real marriage afters – at the RDS, where Munster and Leinster played for a place in the final.
The four-star Blue v the all-star Reds where fans mingled freely, drinks in hand, and cheered loudly, respected the rules and officials.
Afterwards I switched to the FA Cup Final. Again more Red v Blue. But this time fans segregated, booing loudly.
Players with no respect for officials, breaching the rules at any opportunity and players and officials trying to get opponents sent-off whenever possible. The same players who earn more in a week than their rugby colleagues would in a good year and feign injury to gain advantage then preach about ‘the beautiful game’ would not last on a rugby pitch!
So, which is the real beautiful game where rules/officials/players and fans are respected and respect each other? SEAN KELLY, Tramore, Co. Waterford.
Not so smartphones
HAVING to circumvent people staring at mobile phones (Letters, Thursday)? My sentiments exactly!
If ever proof was needed that mobile phones can be addictive, this is it. I see it all the time in my local shopping centre: people staring at their phones oblivious to the crowds around them.
There are those also who wear earphones who cut off the world around them. Reality must be very distasteful!
This is definitely an addiction as the behaviour like any other addiction is self-centred and selfish. Those who live in an bubble divorced from the world around them are more to be treated with compassion than anything else!
ELAINE ELLIOTT, Navan.