Sir, - Tony Clyne's observations on the need for proper sporting facilities for the youth of our now modern and prosperous country (May 4th) would be laudable were it not for the fact that the priorities should be:
A properly funded health service with well-paid staff and adequately equipped hospitals for all areas, backed up with after-care for elderly and young alike.
Services capable of providing care to the disabled, geriatric and mentally infirm (including adequate financial help and respite aid for all types of carers).
Funding for educational special needs.
Decent pensions for our senior citizens.
The list is endless, but it has been part of our national social agenda for years. If we are a modern, progressive country, the only way to show it is to cherish those who can best benefit by these priorities. Sporting stadiums can wait till the next "tiger" comes along. In the meantime Fianna Fail and other parties aspiring to power would do well to remember that the Roman Empire philosophy of giving the masses "bread and circuses" no longer washes with the people of Ireland. - Yours, etc.,
Derek Peyton, Blackrock, Co Dublin.