Sir, - Government Ministers should refrain from digging a bigger hole for themselves than the one they are already in by making laddish statements on the National Stadium controversy. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Recreation have both said in the past few days that those criticising the Government about the Stadium Ireland project know absolutely nothing about sport. Since when, in democratic societies, do citizens and taxpayers not have the right to criticise Governments about anything? This particular project was not in the election manifesto of either of the coalition partners, nor did it form part of the Programme for Government. In other words, the Government has no mandate for it.
I am quite sure the majority of citizens want our athletes to have access to high quality sports facilities. However, the £1 billion price seems too high at a time when there are not enough services for vulnerable children, health services on the ground seem to be in a state of continuing crisis, and the gap between the rich and poor is widening by the day.
Of course, people need bread and roses - but bread has to come first. - Yours, etc.,
Noreen Byrne, Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15.