Mary Lou lacks experience needed to run the country
THE recent flip-flopping, erraticism and capriciousness of Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald must be of concern to her supporters.
The political sands around immigration appear to be shifting, with the electorate expressing its ambivalence about it. On reading the changing zeitgeist, Mary Lou was quickly out of the traps dispensing her own usual soundbites to keep her supporters on board.
Let’s not forget that Sinn Féin is the party that often stands accused of nimbyism while at the same time battering the Government for not meeting its housing targets.
Mary Lou McDonald is very strong on oratory but she is unseasoned when it comes to the demands of running a country.
Former New York governor Mario Cuomo is quoted as saying, ‘You campaign in poetry and you govern in prose’, which means politicians make grand, inspiring promises during their campaigns but, once in office, they have to deal with the practical realities of governing, which requires more mundane solutions.
John O’Brien, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Still in the dark ages
WE’RE about to enter the year 2024, but you’d be forgiven for thinking that we’re still to emerge from the age of the Roman circus and dark days of barbarism to judge by the horrors visited on our native Irish hare, the gentlest creature in the countryside.
At coursing venues nationwide over Christmas, hares had to run for their precious little lives in wired enclosures or fields while well-fed and well-dressed fans cheered the one sided-action in scenes reminiscent of the coliseum.
Nero would have felt at home at an Irish coursing match. Indeed, coursing was among the entertainments he enjoyed. Then, as now, some people got a thrill from watching an animal fight for its life. And now, as then, there are thankfully others who take the side of the victim in this cruel perversion of sport.
Sad to think we in Ireland haven’t yet moved on from those dark times. There are two Dáil bills in the pipeline, either one of which would, if passed, remove this stain on our reputation. What a milestone for animal welfare and common human decency that would represent.
With an election looming in the New Year, we need to lobby our politicians on this issue. Let 2024 see an end to the hare’s piteous and undeserved plight.
John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.
Trimble’s example
IN the context of David Trimble’s dilemmas after the Good Friday Agreement, and his ultimate leadership, as revealed in the State Papers 1993-2003, it is regrettable to see the current DUP leadership allowing itself to be compromised, strung along and even betrayed not just by the whims of the Tories but by ‘radical’ unionists and loyalist threats, instead of biting the bullet of the Brexit that unionists voted for and, as Trimble did, pragmatically dealing with what is no doubt an enormously difficult situation.
Being blown hither and thither by historical notions of sovereignty and modern-day English nationalism is no preparation for the DUP’s task of safeguarding its community’s rightful and enduring place on this island in the long term.
It will be critical, when the inescapable question of a border poll eventually arises, that a robust, assured and broadly respected (even if grudgingly by its adversaries) DUP be ready to convincingly represent the traditions and interests of the unionist community. Otherwise
the concept of a shared or united Ireland will fail and leave a potentially destructive legacy of hostility throughout all the island.
Michael Gannon, Kilkenny city.
You can bank on it
HAVING transgressed over the Christmas, I felt the need to lighten my heavy load. After confirming that the local service was open, I headed off on a mission.
While waiting my turn, I tried to gauge the size of each fellow traveller’s load, and found myself timing the duration of their visit.
Finally, my turn came. Though I was alone, I was certain I was being observed from a higher level. No time for delay, I unburdened myself via the aperture provided. Nothing was held back.
While driving home, I felt the relief and sense of absolution only experienced after a trip to the bottle bank. I know I will return. I’m only human...
Sylvie O’Mahony,