In recent weeks, Mícheál Martin, Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, has ruled out a comeback to politics by some of his former Cabinet colleagues, including former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan and former Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue, stating that their party “needs new blood.”

I refer to your recent article (Irish Examiner, Jan 8) where Minister Kathleen Lynch claims that she successfully fought new mental health staff delays.

Five years ago I had my lifetime’s collection of militaria stolen by a ruthless gang who broke in using sledge hammers and smashed all my doors.

On Friday Oct 26, 2012 I read the following on the front page of your newspaper: “Budget of €500k for every TD and Senator was agreed — without debate”.

The word ‘great’ is used too easily to describe our modern sports stars.

While I can understand Michael O’Sullivan’s despair (Letters, Jan 6) at our political system, I do not agree that our votes don’t count.

Not wanting to play down the problem, but flooding in Cork is now a perennial issue.

Your editorial of Jan 7 reflects a frustration that the combating of climate change is being delayed.

Fair play to Alan Quinlan on RTÉ for criticising crucial decisions against Munster by referee Alain Rolland in the Jan 3 game against Ulster at Ravenhill, despite the presenter interrupting.

It beggars belief that €225m of hard-pressed Irish taxpayers’ money has been spent on transport infrastructure project proposals that never got off the drawing board.