Sir, - The cavalier attitude among the authorities towards knives is inexcusable. It is almost as difficult to fathom as the tolerance towards guns in America. Most firearms are built for only one purpose - to kill people. Clearly, these weapons aren't very practical for controlling pests.
For that reason, there are strict controls over firearms in this country. But a knife the size of Crocodile Dundee's isn't for sharpening pencils. The design is for carving living flesh. Since there aren't many crocodiles in Ireland, the body they end up sticking into is usually human. Those things aren't tools.
Knives have been used in many violent attacks in this country. Campaigns in the UK have been successful in getting people to stop carrying blades and knives in the first place, unless needed in the workplace or by fishermen.
Under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act of 1990, a person can be fined £1,000 or imprisoned for a year if they are found in possession of a knife, blade or pointed implement. Yet, there is not the slightest control over their sale and very little policing of their possession.
Many people have written to me about this problem. Over to the Government for a response. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr NOEL COLLINS,
Midleton,
Co Cork.