A chara, – I refer to Una Mullally's well-reasoned suggestion that Dublin should have a minister ("Neglected Dublin merits a dedicated minister", Opinion & Analysis, May 23rd). As this suggestion is unlikely to be accepted, might I suggest a minister for urban affairs? Our cities and towns share many common concerns that have been overlooked, the solution of which would also benefit rural communities. – Is mise,
SEÁN O’CUINN,
An Charraig Dhubh,
Co Baile Átha Cliath.
Sir, – I was more than slightly amused by Una Mullally’s suggestion for a “minister for Dublin”. Dublin already has the full focus of the entire government – witness the investment in Dublin Airport, the Luas, the Dart, the extensive motorway system leading to Dublin, and so on. And did I mention Metro North and the second runway at Dublin Airport?
Whenever I mention the Government to my friends, I refer to it as “the Dublin Government”, because that is exactly what it is. There is simply no need for the appointment of a minister when it seems the entire Government is already focused on advancing the needs of the capital.
Meanwhile, the obvious counterbalance to Dublin, namely Cork, is neglected and left floundering.
Cork has sufficient population to justify a Luas-type investment and a decent airport but it will not get them under the current political system. It is unhealthy and undemocratic for so much public investment and infrastructure to be concentrated in a small pocket of the country, yet that is what is happening as Dublin continues to prosper while the rest of Ireland is ignored. What is needed is not a “minister for Dublin”, but a new political party that is based in Munster and fights for its interests. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL J McEVOY,
Newton,
Massachusetts.