VERA HUGHES,
Sir, - With regard to the recent dreadful deaths of two fine gardaí, caused by so-called "joy-riders":
Why are such thugs not called by their proper name of "death-riders"?
Why was closing time in pubs extended not so long ago by the Minister for Justice?
Why do public functions go on until all hours?
Why are the laws on underage drinking not enforced?
Why don't parents know where their teenagers are at night, and what they are doing?
It would, of course, lessen enormously the number of crimes and deaths if those lawless, teenage death-riders were either gainfully employed, or involved in games and healthy physical sport-activities.
But it is neither poverty nor disadvantage that are the root causes of anti-social behaviour, but rather the materialism and disregard for Christian values so rampant today, when "I want and I want it now" seems to be the slogan.
This is the worm eating at the heart of society, that leads to violence, death and the disintegration of law and order. - Yours, etc.,
VERA HUGHES, Moate, Co Westmeath.