Madam, – I would like to add my thoughts to Brendan McLoughlins excellent but rather despairing letter regarding poaching (September 8th).
First, poaching is not simply a regional problem but is endemic throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. It does not confine itself simply to the plundering of fish stocks but extends its antisocial activity to the damage and destruction of property, such as boats and clubhouses.
Second, there is no particular group involved, as it appears to extend right across the social and ethnic spectrum of our society.
The causes are multifactorial and diverse but probably have some origins in our colonial past and our deep-seated anti-ascendancy attitude.
The solution may be somewhat simpler but would involve adopting a less convoluted and cumbersome process in bringing offenders to justice and the imposition of realistic penalties for those found guilty. – Yours, etc,