Sir, - The spectacle of the re-burial of the volunteers was first and foremost timed to coincide with the Fianna Fβil calendar. No doubt about it.
It was embarrassing to see the shape of our "Defence Forces" on display. Most soldiers were marching out of time! At one stage, the lead man was nearly hit on the back of the head with a coffin, as the pall bearers sped up! Then, Ireland's finest seemed unaware of the correct method to fold the flag! Last but not least, the spectacle of the 10-gun salute being given to men wearing ear muffs! Are we living in a country gone mad! (Were they wearing arm and knee pads under their uniforms?)
The reality is this: the Defence Forces are an ill-equipped, poorly motivated embarrassment to this country. I believe the Government has the choice of either maintaining and servicing them properly into fighting-fit armed forces, or disbanding them completely in favour of a National Guard-type force. Using our neutrality as an excuse is no longer sufficient. Switzerland and Finland are both neutral nations which display the ability to defend themselves.
Ireland's "Defence Forces" possess no interception aircraft, no tanks and no heavy weapons. In short, if this country is ever attacked by terrorists or otherwise, the first option for the Defence Forces will be to call the British Army and RAF to look after things! - Yours, etc.,
John Ballantine, Ballinteer Crescent, Dublin 16.