Sir, – Could the authorities please explain the ridiculous antics in arresting and bringing Mick Wallace to Limerick prison only to release him? What did all this cost in manpower, transport and other expenses? – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL POWER,
Dublin 15.
Sir, – The recent debacle of two sitting TDs being effectively excused from payment of fines by virtue of there being insufficient prison space highlights again the lack of reform by Government concerning non-payment of court fines.
Our antiquated system of imprisoning those choosing not to pay fines dates back many centuries. As things stand for the serial non-payer of fines, with prisons already at capacity, the threat of being picked up by An Garda Síochána and being brought to a prison remains no threat at all where the prison simply has no room, or is reserving room for the more serious offenders.
It is time the State saw sense and ceased this practice of giving such persons the choice of payment of fine or jail. No-one should ever face jail for fines, especially where there is to be no imprisonment in any event.
The organs of the state such as the Revenue Commissioners and Department of Social Welfare can have roles to play in this, and in those circumstances where a citizen won’t or can’t pay a fine, they should be empowered to claw back the fine amount via withdrawal of tax credits or reductions in social welfare payments, via a court order (similar to a garnishee order of sorts). – Yours, etc,
FRANK HANNON,
Hannon & Foley Solicitors,
Cork.
Sir, – By imprisoning Mick Wallace TD, the Irish authorities have called into question Ireland’s neutrality.
Mick Wallace, a distinguished member of Dáil Éireann, is a hero of our times. His imprisonment is a national scandal and a national disgrace. – Yours, etc,
GERALD MORGAN,
Dublin 2.
Sir, – I seldom find myself to be in agreement with Independent TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly but, for once, I concur entirely with their principled stance in relation to Shannon Airport. As a “neutral” independent State, is it not odd that our Government should willingly allow an international civilian airport to function simultaneously as a de facto military air base for a foreign power, albeit a friendly one, during a time of war? The benefits of this arrangement to the airport and our nation, as always, are based primarily on financial considerations hidden behind a thin veil of political expediency and pragmatism. Even if one turns a blind eye to the moral and ethical shortfalls of the situation, another curious national failing it would seem, one surely cannot fail to see the potential safety and security concerns that such an ill-considered arrangement might pose to the general public who effectively share the airport facilities with military personnel in transit to and from conflict zones.
I choose not to use Shannon Airport for all the reasons above, and I would earnestly urge the general public to avoid it too until such time as its civilian credentials are once again fully restored. – Yours, etc,
JOE FENWICK,
Corrandulla,
Co Galway.
Sir, – The State’s eTenders website is seeking tenders for “the inspection and service of the high mast lighting installation at Shannon Airport ”. A perfect opportunity for Mick Wallace and Clare Daly perhaps? – Yours, etc,
BOB BARRY,
Ashbourne,
Co Meath.
Sir, – I note that Mick Wallace TD was allowed home to collect some clothing before being transported to jail in Limerick. That should not have taken too much time. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL MAGUIRE,
Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Sir, – If we had more public representatives of the calibre of Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, not only Ireland but the wider world would be a more caring and safer place. The use of Shannon Airport as a strategic forward base for US military en route to bomb and kill innocent human beings is immoral, as well as being repugnant to the majority of decent Irish citizens. – Yours, etc,
GEAROID KILGALLEN,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.