Government must intervene for An Garda Síochána to succeed

This shortfall in garda personnel has been going on for years, yet no one in government or in Dàil Eireann has the bravery to challenge what is widely known. The minister, commissioner and Policing Authority are responsible for this sad state of affairs, yet their silence on the issue is deafening.

On top of this, the concerns members have over their personal safety due to the increasing number of serious assaults carried out on members of the force and the unaffordability of living in large urban areas like Dublin and Cork make a career with An Garda Síochána unpalatable.

The diminution of discretion and the increasing invasive and suffocating oversight add to a force in serious danger of being consumed by the very changes that were meant to bring it into the 21st century. We need to halt this downward spiral by putting pressure on our elected officials and those in government before we end up with a force incapable of doing its job.

Christy Galligan (retired garda sergeant), Letterkenny, Co Donegal

It’s far from two-bathroom houses we were raised

With regard to the cost of living crisis, I remember the good old days in Ireland when every household considered themselves to be well off when they had only one of everything – including a pot to pee in.

Liam Power, Dundalk, Co Louth

Sturgeon resignation could shift focus to real issues

The exit of Nicola Sturgeon might actually be a good thing, long-term, for those interested in Scotland “unloosening the Westminster shackles”.

Ms Sturgeon seemed to be the only focal point within the Scottish National Party. How many others ever received the same level of media coverage? Her resignation may allow for proper, adult debate on leaving the union and re-joining the EU.

David Ryan, Co Meath

​No place for antisemitism in modern society

Antisemitism is an abhorrent and vile ideology. The UK has an admirable track record in combating hateful rhetoric, antisemitism, Islamophobia, intolerance and prejudices towards followers of all religions, faiths and creeds. We must remember that six million Jews were murdered along with thousands of Roma, Sinti, other minorities and people with disabilities. This unequivocally affirms our stance to reject hate crime in all its repugnant forms.

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London

​Minsters’ St Patrick’s Day exodus not so green

Will the Government pay taxes on the enormous carbon emissions generated by members’ unconscionably expensive jaunts around the globe this St Patrick’s Day? It would suit them better to stay here and use some backbone against oil and energy providers who should be paying energy credits. Those Chinese-made CCTV cameras will have little to record in Leinster House while they are away.

Florence Craven, Bracknagh, Co Offaly

​The Church wants women, as long as they’re inferior

Eric Conway tried to justify the role of women in the Catholic Church (‘To all intents and purposes, we grew up in a matriarchy’, Letters, February 15). Men are allowed to become priests, bishops, cardinals and popes. Women may bring flowers and keep the altar clean.

Aidan McGoldrick, Co Sligo

​Can we disassemble the Citizens’ Assembly?

I disagree with Brendan Butler (‘A Citizens’ Assembly is next logical step on immigration’, Letters, February 14). I view them as undemocratic, set up to massage public opinion by politicians who lack the backbone to represent their own constituents. Why have elections?

Peter Mulvany, Clontarf, Dublin