Madam, - Almost three years ago you published a letter of mine extolling the virtues of the special constabulary attached to the London Metropolitan Police, which had, at that time, some 700 members. Its main task was to act as back-up to regular officers.
The Minister's proposal is broadly similar to this voluntary scheme which encourages people from the community to work in the community for the benefit of the community.
Why, then, is Joe Dirwan of the association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors ranting on about a "Mad Hatter scheme", "improperly trained people utilised on a cheap labour basis", etc (Opinion & Analysis, February 13th)?
In my view, he should be supporting the Minister with enthusiasm to see how such a volunteer force could be best integrated to help better protect our children, ourselves and our property while regaining the community spirit so sadly lacking during the last decade.
I suspect that the Minister already has community support for his proposal and I would recommend that he now bypass the whingers and agitators which exist in any organised group and implement his proposals. - Yours, etc,
ALAN J COOK, The Coppins, Foxrock, Dublin 18.