It is incredible that Jim Roche (Letters, July 15) of the so-called Irish Anti-War Movement actually defends Hamas, saying its purpose is to "defend the people of Gaza" and that it formed a "peaceful unity pact" recently with the Palestinian Authority.

The international media has much to answer for in the conflict between Israel and Gaza in their failure to report consistently on the issue.

We have women architects, brain surgeons, chemists, doctors, editors, farmers, geologists, hairdressers, immunologists, judges, knitters, legislators, microbiologists, nurses, ombudsman, pilots, quartermasters, religious sisters, scientists, teachers, upholsters, volcanologists, winemakers, xylophonists, yardmasters, zoologists and yet somehow we cannot have women priests!

When speaking on the Marian Finucane show, Sinn Féin TD Mary Lou McDonald was asked a direct question by the host, as to whether she would approve of job cuts in the ranks of healthcare "middle management" so as to lower the current ratio of three admin staff to every one member of frontline services.

Just when you think you have seen the worst depths of sectarian decay in Northern society, along comes another sectarian nugget to chill the blood.

Your report (July 15), suggests that Cllr Seamus McGrath of Fianna Fáil (and others), seem to be of the opinion that the Port of Cork’s container development plan for Ringaskiddy would be in order if the upgrade of the N28 was in place.

There has been much discussion about the refusal of Ashers Bakery to bake a cake that would have a slogan supporting gay marriage.

In relation to the coaching structure the Germans have, it is definitely something that the Republic of Ireland need to copy and implement. However, there are certain issues that will impact on us following the German model, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Only an ‘eejit’ would build a house without planning permission, as he would be ordered to knock it down. The Garth Brooks fiasco was no different. So the promoters have a lot to answer for.

The Cabinet reshuffle has impacted an already oppressed fishing industry.