Madam, - One is surprised at one's own reactions at times. I don't really believe in saints (except Bob Geldof, maybe), but I found myself wincing when in recent days I heard the term "Paddy's Day" tumble casually from the tongues of two of our foremost luminaries.
One was Marian Finucane (our beloved of the airwaves) and the other was Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea (in whose safekeeping we all are during this symbolic weekend). - Yours, etc,
OLIVER McGRANE,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16
Madam, - I too wish to complain about the large number of Government ministers who have left the country in the lead-up to St Patrick's Day. It's only Tuesday evening as I write this but, between TV and radio, I am already fed up with the sound of Willie O'Dea's voice. - Yours, etc,
KIERAN McCARTHY,
Powerscourt Lawns,
Waterford.