We must avoid any deviation from neutrality
I OFFER my support to Edward Horgan for the views expressed in his letter (‘Don’t rush to judgement’, Mail).
It’s nauseating to watch how politicians such as Minister Simon Coveney join the chorus of genuinely concerned anti-war protesters in order to condemn war crimes allegedly committed by one side only. The alleged war crimes in Izyum have not been investigated independently and, as Mr Horgan points out, we should not rush to judgement.
Some of the war crimes committed by the US military in Iraq were exposed and verified for all the world to see on the USA’s own video footage published by journalist Julian Assange. Mr Coveney has shown no urge to hold the perpetrators of those war crimes to account, nor has he raised his voice to condemn the subsequent incarceration of Mr Assange, who has not been able to see a clear blue sky over his head since June 2012.
None of this is to suggest Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine is justified. Like every other such act of aggression, it should be roundly condemned. But Ireland’s neutrality demands that our Government does not support the war on either side, that it offers only humanitarian aid where needed, that it tries to broker peace and, above all, steers clear of all actions or words that deny our people’s will to remain a steadfastly neutral country. JUSTIN MORAHAN,
Terenure, Dublin.
Embrace hybrid working
I HAVE heard several people discussing the merits and disadvantages of working from home and the challenges of achieving the perfect work-life balance.
I am noticing more and more that hybrid working is the buzzword enveloping our landscape. It seems many of Ireland’s employers and employees are not up for permanently working at home. Even the most vocal supporters of remote working would often report that spending some face time with one’s colleagues is not only beneficial but essential.
My guess is that this would be imperative and crucial for young people who need mentors around them. Let’s not forget that people who suffer from anxiety like to be around groups and colleagues as this may assist in assuaging and mitigating such apprehensions.
It would also be true to say the workplace is the environment where camaraderie and teamwork is found. I’ve discovered that some employees I know prefer going into the office ever day, others not at all. But it’s great to now know that, in the vast majority of cases, the choice ostensibly is theirs as long as they meet their company’s minimum requirements and their managers are satisfied.
In the final analysis, I don’t think we will be debating the working from home topic a year from now. Hybrid working appears to be putting this subject to rest.
My hope is that all of us will embrace this new model of working. One would be afraid that if employers resist this hybrid model, they will lose out on great working talent going forward.
A recent poll reported that 55% of people using the hybrid model were happy with their work-life balance. So yes, it looks as if the hybrid working model is here to stay. Happy days!
JOHN O’BRIEN, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Navan A&E move unwise
I WOULD like to endorse Elaine Elliott’s recent letter (Mail) regarding the proposed closure of the A&E at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan, with some patients instead going to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
In recent years I have had personal experience of both (as have several friends and acquaintances ) and the contrast could not have been greater.
I’m sure the staff in Drogheda are perfectly efficient; it’s simply down to numbers. The waiting times are horrific and beyond stressful. My experience in Navan could not have been better. Waiting times are substantially shorter and the overall stress much reduced. The decision to transfer the service seems illogical. It certainly doesn’t appear to be patient-centred. ERIC CONWAY, by email.