Madam, - In the UK, the chief constable of Cambridgeshire has resigned following allegations that he sexually harassed a woman official. He is quoted as saying, "I feel honour-bound to step down before endangering the reputation of the constabulary".
In Ireland, Mr Justice Morris has found instances of criminal negligence, cover-ups, destruction of records, lying under oath, framing of innocent citizens for murder and deliberate obstruction of the tribunal by members of our police force. Despite this scandalous behaviour, much of which came to light nearly a year ago, most of the officers involved are still serving.
This serves as a good example of the difference between an accountable democracy and a banana republic. - Yours, etc,
ANTHONY SHERIDAN, Carriag Eoin, Cobh, Co Cork.