As part of their successful election campaign in 1977, Fianna Fáil promised to abolish the rates levied on households. As a majority government, they did so. Household rates had funded local government services, inclusive of mains water and refuse collection, since the foundation of the State.

We are writing to you to explain why there is considerable unrest regarding the development of the Glenbeigh to Reenard Greenway in County Kerry along the old railway line.

Mike Mahon (Letters Irish Examiner, May 4) argues the granting of free legal aid to Deputy Paul Murphy is legitimate and justifiable on the grounds that Deputy Murphy, is “a champion of civil rights” and one among a group of like-minded politicians who “expose numerous scams” in society.

I just listened to Ray D’Arcy and the interview on dementia and alzheimer’s disease he had with Kathy Ryan — what a brave and lovely person she is.

Having opposed water charges in the February election and since, Micheál Martin is quoted in the beginning of May 2016 as saying that people should still pay their latest Irish Water bill.

Recently, and thanks to a cheap air ticket with Ryanair, I jumped at the chance to travel to Portugal and escape the atrocious weather this year.