Cold comfort in the big freeze

Madam, – Recent events have once again shown the priorities of those in power in Ireland

Madam, – Recent events have once again shown the priorities of those in power in Ireland. While some resources were directed to clearing and gritting ice-bound roads, pavements and cycle-paths were left untouched.

Pedestrians and cyclists were put firmly in their place and reminded of their second-class status. Similarly, the stresses placed on an already inadequate public transport system (which we were advised to use!) put manners on those commuters who were getting uppity notions about expecting a decent service.

Meanwhile, the Great and the Good, fresh from the massacre of our economic sovereignty, were conveyed to and from the crisis meetings by the ministerial Merc. Sure, won’t it all be over by August and they will doubtless claim the credit. – Yours, etc,

Dr ANDREW ROUS,

Shanganagh Road,

Killiney, Co Dublin.

Madam, – When next the position of CEO of DAA becomes vacant I would like to be considered for the post. I am confident that I could keep the runways clear of snow and keep the airport open a higher percentage of the time than the incumbent. In fact, I think my six-year-old daughter could do a better job! – Yours, etc,

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JAMES O’RIORDAN,

Stepaside Park,

Stepaside, Dublin 18.

A chara, – I find it frustrating that, as a neutral country, our Army service is not utilised more in these freezing conditions. Footpaths in various city centres could be cleared, school children could be transported using 4x4 vehicles. What is the point of having all this manpower and equipment if it is used only for training? – Yours, etc,

JEFFREY HOARE,

Burlington Road,

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Madam, – Why do the councils seem to be caught on the hop every time the weather turns?

Don’t they know that there is a good chance that winter will happen every year – or do we need to call and remind them every November? – Yours, etc,

EAMON MALONE,

Coill Beag, Rataoth, Co Meath.