Sir, - According to your edition of November 24th, the Minister for Defence has "sought an explanation" from an officer of the Air Corps who drew attention to deficiencies in the service. This is from a member of a Government which has solicited advice from a firm of auditors as to how the air and sea defences of the State should be conducted. He would be well advised to listen to the opinions of competent professionals.
General de Gaulle defined the primary functions of government as, firstly keeping peace in the streets and secondly, protecting against foreign enemies. There is a widely held view that this country would be incapable of defending itself against an enemy of the size of Andorra. Apart from the neglect of defences, the Government also seems incapable of responding to a threat against its primary responsibility, namely the present incipient mutiny in the police service.
This country clearly needs a new approach to internal security and defence, directed by Government and based on informed professional advice. At the same time, the members of the security forces should be required to put duty before personal aspirations. - Yours, etc.,
John Caffrey, La Touche Park, Greystones, Co Wicklow.