A chara, - We, as a nation recently voted in favour of the Amsterdam Treaty, although this decision will hardly impact on the everyday lives of Irish men and women. But at least we were given the chance to voice our opinion!
Not so with the ESAT Digiphone telephone masts which are being erected at numerous Garda stations throughout the countryside, despite major objections from the communities who live in their very tall shadows. When was the referendum on this issue? Who is responsible for making this decision, which very much impacts on the everyday lives of many Irish people? Why is there no voice in Leinster House shouting: "Stop. This is not what the people want."
On Tuesday, June 9th, in Keel, Achill Island, Co Mayo, 60 Gardai ensured that ESAT had its way against a small community who stood firm in the face of such heavy-handed intimidation. Five people were arrested, handcuffed in the station for several hours and denied any food. Medical attention had to be administered to one girl who was injured as a result of police brutality during the arrest, her right to privacy during this medical examination was also denied.
These very courageous people were treated by and large as criminals, when their only crime was persistent opposition to a mast which they firmly believe will be an environmental eyesore on an area which depends on tourism for its livelihood - the station where the mast is located is opposite a blue flag beach! Even more importantly, serious questions regarding the health hazards from such masts remain unanswered.
This arrogant lack of concern by the authorities for the wishes of their citizens is disgraceful and cannot be tolerated if we are to call ourselves a democracy. - Is mise, Marjorie O'Malley,
Lucan, Co Dublin.