A chara, - An easily-bought banger can blow off a child's leg, according to the Garda press office. Already, last month, a child in Letterkenny has lost part of his hand after playing with such a hanger. As a public representative on behalf of the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, I appeal to parents to control the access which their children have to fireworks. They may look like toys, but they are lethal.
The explosives do not just maim or kill, they terrorise people and animals alike. Elderly people already live in fear of robbery and attack. Around Halloween, even greater fears are felt when bangers are exploded close to houses and even in letter-boxes. In posting leaflets, I now find, more and more, that flaps on letter-boxes are sealed, thus preventing letters being received unless the doorbell is rung and the door opened.
Animals have even less protection, and much cruelty is caused through unauthorised people letting off fireworks. Loud, sudden noises are terrifying to domestic and wild animals alike. Young people in particular, if they learn sensitivity to animals, are sure to be sensitive to other people's needs as well.
Apart from demanding that the law be enforced and urging greater parental control, I offer to local authorities the suggestion that officially supervised and legal firework displays be organised, to put the dangerous and illegal firework activities literally in the shade. No one likes to be a killjoy at the festive time of Halloween, but this is no excuse for ignoring the problem of children playing with volatile explosives. It is high time that authorities proved that it is possible to enforce the law and still have a festive atmosphere, taking into account legitimate fears and very real dangers. - Le gach dea-ghui, 37 Tara Cove, Baile Brigin, Fingal, Co Atha Cliath.