Sir, – Dr David McConnell makes a compelling case (Opinion, December 24th) for the acceptance of GM technology in the context of good science and the possible benefits that could accrue for the less fortunate. He is correct in thinking there can be a degree of hysteria in the arguments put forward with regard to the potential doomsday impact of exposing the natural environment to GM crops. Nature is in a continuous process of genetic mutation albeit in at a more sedate pace.
The real concern, which Dr McConnell seems to brush over without significant comment, is both economic and thus political.
The generation of intellectual property through the GM effort is seen as a lucrative source of income for many corporations, including Monsanto, and thus the prospect of the food chain becoming increasingly controlled by private unelected entities is real.
Where will that leave struggling farmers in the third world, who could benefit most from the science of GM but could then also become trapped by its implementation? This is the real debate that is needed on GM. – Yours, etc,
BARRY WALSH,
Linden Avenue,
Blackrock,
Cork.