Madam, - In response to the letter from Senator Mary Henry (April 6th) I would like to make some points. Firstly, what a lot of time the Senator must have if she can inspect other people's vehicles for mud and dirt in that oh-so-affluent area of Ballsbridge. It's reassuring to know that our public representatives spend their time so productively.
Secondly, I am a driver of an SUV. I do not drive children to school, I do not terrorise old-age pensioners and I hope, like all women, I am not moronic enough to be swayed by savvy salesmen.
Finally, like most women in this country I consider myself a responsible driver. I have always driven an SUV, for many different reasons. Whatever the senator says (a factual report of accidents involving SUVs compared with other vehicles in Ireland would have brought more credibility to her argument), I will always feel safer in this type of car.
So, on that note, I will leave the senator to her suburban sightseeing, and I now will go check if I put my hand-brake on. - Yours, etc,
MARIAN SMITH, Aikens Village, Dublin 18.
Madam, - I fear John Griffin (April 7th) is missing the point somewhat when he points out that SUV owners can and do pay for their extra-large vehicles through higher VRT and higher fuel taxes. The fact that Mr Griffin can afford to pay for the fuel to satisfy the thirst of his 4X4 will be irrelevant when there is no more fuel left to feed the beast.
Do I begrudge him his flexible sports vehicle? I certainly do not. Do I begrudge the fact that the fuel guzzling of this same vehicle is adding needlessly to the early depletion of one of the natural resources of this planet? I most certainly do. - Yours, etc,
MAEVE WRIGHT, Glendoher Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.