Sir, - Reading Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill's report (February 2,4th) on Castlerea Place of Detention, my first reaction was: "This man is having us on." Then, reading on, I realised he was in earnest. Prison, call a spade a spade - is a misnomer; three star - well, two-star - hotel is more appropriate.
Were I a great deal younger I would seriously consider transgressing the law, hoping to be confined in Hotel Castlerea, to be fed and pampered like a paying guest. May one ask the weekly cost of a guest of the State?
The British Home Secretary, Michael Howard, would blow his top if he learned that such a regime existed within his jurisdiction. To judge from the picture of her visiting her guests, the beaming Nora Owen, Minister for Justice, has no such qualms. - Yours, etc.
Cappagh Avenue,
Finglas,
Dublin 11.