Sir, – Eoin Ó Murchú believes we should not join Nato but use our neutrality to promote peace (Letters, November 25th). In theory, that is commendable thinking. However, it does not deal with the primary issue. How do we defend ourselves adequately? Anyone familiar with risk will tell you that there is no such thing as zero risk. That is why Switzerland, Austria, Finland and Sweden invested heavily in defence and military industries, when neutral. They were not dependent on any other country but, at huge cost, relied on themselves. The transatlantic cables going through our territorial waters are as critical to our country as ports and airports. However, they are very vulnerable. Does Mr Ó Murchú have an opinion about whether they should be protected? If so, how? Should we have the capability of Sweden, Denmark or Norway? – Yours, etc,
GERARD McDERMOTT,
Gorey,
Co Wexford.