Madam, - I should like to suggest that Dublin Zoo's baby elephant be called Tara. As elephants in Asia have royal associations, it is highly appropriate that the new calf be named after the seat of Ireland's High Kings. Furthermore, the name Tara features in Indian mythology, as a deity is revered in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
As elephants in the wild face increasing threats to their survival, this new arrival is truly a cause for celebration. It is also interesting to note that she was born within days of the announcement that a new national monument was discovered near the Hill of Tara, a find that may yet be the salvation of the royal valley. - Yours, etc,
LAURA GREALISH, Glen of the Downs, Co Wicklow.
Madam, - Let me see if I've got this right so far. There is an elephant in the room. It is very small but will some day be huge. And the public is not allowed to go there until after the election? - Yours, etc,
CIARAN O'REILLY, Windsor Park, Belfast 9.