STEPHEN KERNAN,
Sir, - In your edition of April 20th, P.J. Stone and Padraig O'Morain offer contrasting but familiar analyses of the recent tragedy in Stillorgan in which two gardaí died. Briefly, P.J. Stone's "heartless" analysis suggests that there should be a crackdown on lawbreaking thugs, and more custodial places, while Padraig O'Morain's "bleeding heart liberal" approach contends that there should be better support services to prevent the disadvantaged from turning to crime.
It seems to me that both writers are missing the point. Disadvantage is a big factor in crime. However, disadvantage is not something that happens by accident and that we should attempt to redress through support services. It is, rather, an inescapable result of the policies pursued by most of the major political parties in this country and especially by the current Government. It is a consequence of the disgracefully inequitable distribution of the essential services, such as health, education and housing, that should be cornerstones of a decent society.
We are reaping what we have sown during the last decade through the kind of economic policies that are blind to any political goal other than increasing wealth and cutting taxes. Perhaps, if we directed our attention towards achieving the kind of society that values equitable access to essential services for all its citizens, rather than one which values tax cuts for the rich and crackdowns on crime, we might not have the kind of disadvantage that leads to such horrific consequences as were seen recently in Stillorgan. - Yours, etc.,
STEPHEN KERNAN, Uppercross Road, Dublin 8.
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Sir, In the pre-electoral frenzy to transform the tragic deaths of Garda Tighe and Garda Padden into a political football, let us view the facts as they are.
These exemplary men were an outstanding example of service in the truest sense of the word. In serving the best interests of the public, in protecting the citizens of the State, they made the ultimate sacrifice - that of selflessly giving their own lives in the call of duty.
Every Irish citizen is indebted to them for their courage. Along with An Garda Síochána and the bereaved families, it is the nation of Ireland as a whole that must mourn this tragic loss. - Yours, etc.,
BRÍD CANNON, Westbury, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.