Cop on, only global unity will end climate standstill

WITH talks at the COP27 climate summit intensifying as the deadline for reaching consensus on a joint wording to wrap up negotiations concludes, loss and damage being paid by the biggest polluting countries to the nations worst affected by climate change appears to be a sticking point. Our own Environment and Climate Minister Eamon Ryan has been appointed the EU’s lead negotiator in the ‘loss and damage’ strand. But if some of the biggest world polluters like China, Russia and India won’t even attend COP, what can Mr Ryan or any other negotiator do to help the countries suffering the worst effects of climate change to alleviate their problems? In this scenario, COP is in grave danger of just becoming a giant talking shop. For those non-attending countries this is a cop-out and they should just take a large dose of cop-on and attend future gatherings. Until we have global unity on how to tackle climate change by the main polluters, no progress will be forthcoming on this hugely important issue.

Tom Towey, Clonacool, Co. Sligo.

Exceptional woman

VICKY PHELAN was an exceptional person. She refused to sign the non-disclosure agreement when her compensation case was being settled in the courts a few years ago because she knew it would be morally and ethically wrong to do so. She wanted to alert other women to check their cervical smear tests again to make sure these were properly analysed and that they were not in danger of developing cervical cancer which is one of the most difficult cancers to stop.

She was a great mother and her children can be very proud of her for standing up for decency and courage in teaching the powersthat-be how to treat patients who rely and trust they will be treated well and properly told of any diagnosis in good time or if a mistake has been made. Truth is the core tenet of life as well as love, kindness and supporting one another as best as we can. Vicky was a huge example of this in her life journey. It seems to be a strong part of official Ireland to try to cover up things. She was a powerful person and may the light shine upon her. Many blessings to her and for her family.

Mary Sullivan, Cork.

Living wage debate

HERE we go again as the Government rebrands and agrees a new ‘living wage’ to replace the minimum wage by 2026.

The €13.10 per hour will only swallow up more people on low wages. No doubt when it comes into force there will be more debate about increasing the living wage as you receive it in one hand and then it is taken away from the other – a dog chasing its tail. There’s no difference in making it €15 or €20 per hour.

The only thing that is happening is that this country is getting more and more expensive to the outsider which will have an effect on the tourist and manufacturing industries. It’s a pity that there’s no European-set minimum wage as I’m sure Ireland will be ranking near or at the top of the list at the moment.

Phillip Mann, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Time for Kenny to go

THE only positives Stephen Kenny can take out of this week’s miserable game is that Norway didn’t have Haaland on their team. God only knows what the score would have been.

We haven’t a hope if that’s the best we can do at home. Time to say goodbye, Stephen, no more excuses.

Val Davis, Crosshaven, Co. Cork.

People need a say

WITH People Before Profit bringing a Bill to Dáil in the next two weeks that will discuss the legalisation of personal use of cannabis, it is my opinion that a decision of this magnitude should be left in the hands of the people, not the Government.

Cannabis has provided a great improvement to the quality of life of people with chronic pain and mental health issues.

There have been huge benefits to the economies of countries that have legalised its recreational use with the industry creating jobs, infrastructure and a boost in tax revenue and tourism.

Ireland is known as a very progressive State.

It is imperative we continue to move forward with the rest of the world’s progressive states.

I encourage anyone reading this to get involved and voice their opinions, whether it be for or against, as it is in the best interest of the Irish Republic to be educated fully on the pros and cons of this topic.