Sir, - So the Garda Commissioner is calling on Irish motorists to slow down (The Irish Times, February 10th). What a pity he and previous commissioners didn't do more to ensure that those under their command set a good example in observing speed limits and other road laws.
I have been observing the behaviour of Garda cars for many years now and I can assert that the majority of them have been speeding, blue light flashing or not. Fortunately there has been an improvement in Garda driver behaviour recently - as if gardai have been sternly reminded of their duties. But it's a bit late in the day. The habit of flouting the law - on speed limits, red lights, and so on - has become ingrained in the Irish motorist's character. No one should be surprised at the current road death statistics.
I'm reminded of an incident in Dublin a couple of years ago. I was on my bike, waiting patiently at a red light. I noticed a motorcycle garda beside me, also waiting for the green light. When the green light came for us, a car came rushing through from our right, clearly breaking the red light, the driver presumably not noticing the garda. I looked at the garda, expecting to see him pursue and arrest the errant motorist; such sights are rare but welcome pleasures. To my astonishment, he just beeped his horn, while looking angrily after the offending car, and then he went on his way, straight ahead. Funny incident, but the reality behind it is sad. - Yours, etc.,
Joe Thornton,
Merville Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.