BEN HEADON,
Madam, - I read in your Seanad report (November 28th) that both Senators Mary O'Rourke and Martin Mansergh have expressed disquiet at the refusal of Portmarnock GC to admit women to full membership.
Perhaps they could raise this issue with their party colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, John O'Donoghue. A State agency, Bord Fáilte, is to be one of the main sponsors of the 2003 Irish Open at Portmarnock.
Is it not incorrect for an arm of the State to publicly endorse an event held at one of the last two remaining bastions of discrimination in the world of Irish golf?
As a private club, Portmarnock may claim to be able to operate as it pleases, but the State should not take a part in advertising an overtly discriminating organisation. - Yours etc.,
BEN HEADON, Raheny, Dublin 5