There must be greater respect for Taoiseach
WHEN the decision is made the debate is over!
Micheál Martin is now Taoiseach of our country and deserves the respect and dignity of the office.
While I would have been critical of Martin at various times, last week I found the behaviour of some Fianna Fáil TDs a saddening sight. This one event exposes the current state of politics.
The loss of decorum continues to create diversity. It is why I state that a person may disagree with the actions of the holder of An Taoiseach’s office, but respect for the office must be held at all times. I believe that respect for An Taoiseach is necessary for the well-being of the nation.
One can disagree with the actions of An Taoiseach but going about it with a sense of tastelessness does not benefit anyone.
Why have we lost our sense of decency and respect? PAT O’CALLAGHAN,
Mallow, Co. Cork.
Help our students
THE priority closing date for 2020 college grant applications is this Thursday, July 9. Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) assesses gross family income from all sources in the previous calendar year, 2019, to determine student grant eligibility.
Because of Covid-19, many families will earn much less income in 2020 than in 2019. Therefore, assessing grant eligibility on last year’s income could deprive many deserving applicants of a college grant. All 2020 grant applications should be assessed against the current financial hardship caused by Covid-19.
Students who are ineligible for grants need about €12,000 annually to maintain themselves. These students must also pay an annual student contribution of €3,000. Many college students have to do up to 15 hours of part-time work weekly and/or depend on their parents to make ends meet. Parttime work and parental financial support won’t be as readily available this year as the country is reeling from the economic havoc wreaked by Covid-19.
The Government must show compassion by easing the financial burden on hard-pressed families. It must waive the unjustifiable €3,000 student fee contribution as many families are struggling financially. The standard rate maintenance grant must be increased from €3,025 to €5,000 and all other grants on a pro-rata basis. The annual income level for standard rate grant eligibility must be calculated on the 2020 virus-reduced family income rather than the 2019 income.
Covid-19 must not be allowed to deny young people their right to further and higher education. They have lost out on more than enough already this year.
BILLY RYLE, Tralee, Co. Kerry.
Don’t exaggerate, Cate
ACTRESS Cate Blanchett claims she was the only woman on every film set she walked onto until four years ago.
How could she forget her illustrious female co-stars Glenn Close and Frances McDormand in Paradise Road, Julianne Moore in An Ideal Husband, Angelina Jolie in Pushing Tin, Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr Ripley, Kathy Burke in Elizabeth and Judi Dench in Notes On A Scandal?
There have been women in film crews since the silent movie days, from continuity, costumes, hair and make-up to directors.
Cate is exaggerating to make a point, which has the bonus of publicising her new TV series, Mrs America, about the feminist movement in the 1970s. The truth is that women have made significant progress in the film industry. NANCIE RUTHERFORD,
by email.
Poor old Meghan!
POOR Meghan Markle! What seems to have upset her was that the British royal family was not in awe of her role as an actress in the TV show Suits.
They weren’t impressed or flapped around her, which was what she must have expected. Perhaps they didn’t even ask for her autograph!
Had she stuck close to Kate Middleton and learned from her about humility, hard work and keeping her head down, instead of trying to grab attention for herself, Meghan could have been a real asset to the royal family.
As a former fan of Suits, I am truly disappointed at her behaviour and continual attempts at headline-grabbing.
MRS S. WATERS, by email.
Syrian crisis
THE SAS is active in Syria and not a peep from anybody in the UK parliament about it. It was reported in March of this year that an SAS operative was airlifted out of southern Syria having been injured by an IED explosion. So much for the ‘no boots on the ground’ promises from David Cameron, which he made when he was prime minister.
LOUIS SHAWCROSS, Hillsborough, Co. Down.
Out of tune?
EXPERTS claim they can tell our characteristics from the songs we sing along to (Mail). The trouble is I don’t like any of the pop songs listed, preferring Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and The Everly Brothers.
What does that make me? Someone who likes a song with a tune or someone who knows the day the music died?