Perhaps it’s time for Michael Martin to force his detractors to put up or shut up.

Your article (April 3) headlined ‘Christians often suffer ridicule or persecution’ because of their beliefs on marriage, and attributed to Archbishop Eamon Martin, is only half-true.

The Catholic primate, Archbishop Eamon Martin, at the Holy Thursday Chrism Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral, in Armagh, said that “sometimes, daring to witness openly to our sincerely held Christian convictions can bring upon us ridicule, condemnation or even persecution” (Irish Examiner, April 3).

I think many parents will recognise the fear and anxiety we faced when our children were going out at night.

Reading the front-page story about a brutal attack on a young teenager with autism has left a sad and anxious feeling in my stomach.

Meath IFA chairman, Eddie Bannon, says that we need 300,000 more cows to fulfill our emerging milk markets.

Homelessness is increasing at a frightening rate in every town and city. We are all aware of instances where extended families are living in one house. This is gross overcrowding.

I was horrified that for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, Enda Kenny is proposing that we remember “British personnel” who also died.

“All the other evidence, much of it about strange and sometimes disturbing goings on in West Cork in the aftermath of the murder, was made redundant.”

In Waterford, President Michael D. Higgins recently launched the Thomas F. Meagher Foundation for 2016 Flag Week, which will be held from March 10 to 17: the national flag will be given to schools around the country.