BUSH GOES IT ALONE

A chara, - During his presidential campaign, George Bush promoted the idea of free trade. In March, 2001, as US President, he reiterated his commitment to free trade when he said: "If our trading partners trade unfairly, they'll hear from us." He continued: "Free and open trade is in our national interest." In August, however, he imposed trade penalties on Canadian timber after intense lobbying by the lumber industry. And this week he announced tariffs of up to 30 per cent on steel imports.

Economics joins the environment (Kyoto), military matters (missile defence), and diplomacy (Korea) on THE list of areas in which the Bush administration is determined to go it alone. - Yours, etc.,

CIARÁN MAC AONGHUSA,

Baile an tSratha,

Tír Chonaill.