Access to abortion must be provided locally - for rural and urban areas

SIR,

I am doing some research on a fairly dark, murky period for the Gardaí during the 1950s and 1960s, when a garda had to be extremely careful doing his job.

That was the time when a garda carrying out a raid on the famous Groome’s Hotel in Dublin came face to face with a Government Minister who asked him: “Do you want a pint or a transfer?”

I am looking at an unfair dismissal case taken by a Garda Jim Travers, who was stationed in Store Street in Dublin in 1962. He was forced to resign after arresting a Minister of State for drink-driving.

I understand that Garda Travers resigned from the force, left Dublin and settled down in Kerry.

I am particularly interested in finding out what Garda Travers did with his life. If he is still alive, I would like to talk to him. I would also like to meet members of his family.

I can be contacted at 086 8055866.

Yours Kevin O’Connor Sramore Lodge Roundwood County Wicklow SIR,

Following the Abortion Rights Campaign seventh annual ‘ March for Choice’ in Dublin on Saturday, September 29, ‘Kerry for Choice’ calls on the Government to ensure that abortion services are provided locally.

Women living in rural Ireland must have the same access to reproductive healthcare as those living in cities. We cannot allow mandatory waiting periods or conscientious objection become barriers to women in Kerry receiving the abortion care they need. It is vital that abortion services are provided in a local setting.

Yours Paula Dennan Kerry for Choice