A chara, - John Kenny of the Progressive Democrats (June 16th) claims my opposition to antisocial behaviour orders is for "the usual politically correct reasons" and accuses me of having no understanding of the fear and intimidation faced by older people.
He clearly failed to read my previous letter which was not based on political correctness but on the experience in the UK. I also pointed out that, as an elected local representative, I am only too well aware of the antisocial behaviour of a small minority, be they in the inner city, Gorey or leafy Ranelagh.
I agree with him that loutish behaviour needs to be stopped. It is my contention, however, that Asbos are not the solution. The way to tackle this problem is to have more gardaí working in and with local communities - with the powers and resources to implement existing legislation - and to provide necessary facilities for young people is the way to tackle this issue.
For example, the population of the north Wexford district increased by almost a quarter in the inter-census period 1996-2002, yet there was no corresponding increase in the number of gardaí to tackle the difficulties associated with this rapid growth.
The misuse of an Asbo by any garda could push a young person down the wrong path and lead him or her to have less respect for civic society. While I am certain that the majority of gardaí would not engage in such practices, I would be genuinely concerned as to how Asbos might have been implemented by some gardaí and former gardaí in Donegal. - Is mise,
Cllr MALCOLM BYRNE (Fianna Fáil), Cathaoirleach, Gorey Town Council, Co Wexford.
Madam, - I was shocked to read USI president Ben Archibald's support for the display of Sinn Féin banners at the recent USI protest against Asbos.
Has Mr Archibald forgotten the banner displayed at a recent USI conference by Sinn Féin members reading, "One Tory, One Bullet", during one of his speeches? - Yours, etc,
CONAL CAMPBELL, Trinity College, Dublin 2.