Sir, – John Waters’s precarious apologia of behalf of recently dethroned emperors of industry and banking (Opinion, July 27th), rings a little bit hollow. He confuses employing people or lending people money with philanthropy when we all know that both actions are taken only to improve the wealth of the employer or banker. He suggests they are “small fry” and therefore hints that they were mesmerised by forces beyond their intellectual capacity of understanding and were equally incapable of using a moral compass in relation to accruing monstrous personal wealth. (Possessing multiples of millions means certain poverty for others).
Finally, if these were “small fry”, then I, as plankton, would love to know who the “big fry” are. It can only be either Richard Dawkins or God. – Yours, etc,
A chara, – Seán Quinn and other senior former executives of the Quinn Group of companies, who also happen to be members of his family, have shown contempt to the court system in this country. Having contempt of the courts is tantamount to having contempt for the democratic systems in this country, and, by implication, for the people.
Among the hundreds of people who came out to support this family at the weekend (Front page, July 30th), and who made public comments to the crowd, were senior members of the GAA and prominent members of the church. They all came out to support a cadre who have shown them contempt. Were those who spoke representing their organisations? Shame on them, and here’s hoping that those in authority in their respective organisations will take steps to discipline them. – Is mise,
Sir, – Was it a coincidence that the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage was down 5,000 souls this year and that a march in Cavan, for Seán Quinn had an estimated attendance of 5,000? Just wondering. – Yours, etc,