Madam, - For the first 10 days of August I had the honour to be in the company of over 10,000 of the finest young people this country has ever known, who were attending the International Scout Jamboree in Punchestown. Their spirit, decency, enthusiasm, co-operation and mutual respect during some appalling weather conditions was an example to all. The real public service of more than 1,000 adult leaders who accompanied them was a model of the spirit of patriotism that this country needs.
What a pity then, that this jamboree, held to mark the centenary of scouting in Ireland, was not attended by either the Taoiseach or the President, despite all their words about "volunteerism" and community and civic spirit". - Yours, etc,
Cllr DERMOT LACEY,
Beech Hill Drive,
Donnybrook,
Dublin 4.