Sir, - Kevin Myers (An Irishman's Diary, February 11th) is correct on the issue of Army headcount reductions. How terrible, these redundant staff will be out creating value in the labour-starved economy, when they could be back in the barracks marching around or filling in their compensation claims. And what a waste to spend millions on hospitals and schools when we could use it to buy toys for the boys to play their war games. There's no justice! Just to clear my own mind, could Mr Myers explain to me why, if Costa Rica, located in one of the world's most volatile regions, can survive and prosper with no army, does Ireland need one (which in per capita terms is nearly as large as that of the US)? -
Tony Murphy, Cuskinny, Cobh, Co Cork.