Madam, - I wondered if the proposal to set up a Government-sponsored "taskforce" whose job it would be to offer the use of Irish sports facilities to international Olympic athletes, prior to their attending the London event in 2012, was just someone's idea of a joke. But since I have just seen it announced on TV news, it must be true.
I know that I am at times a cynic. But I truly wonder what facilities we are to offer these professional athletes - a leaking swimming pool - complete with a removable roof? Croke Park - with no running track?
Traffic gridlock, as they move out from their overpriced hotel for a training session?
Having just survived the challenges of Galway's annual races "rip off" fiesta, and with the Ryder Cup bringing the possibility of "profiteering" on a truly grand scale just ahead of us, I am drawn to the conclusion that John O'Donoghue is just gearing himself up for an election!
Or is it just a case of more jobs for the boys and girls! - Yours, etc,
DERRICK HAMBLETON, Kingston, Galway.