In the Government’s main statement of its reasons for trashing the Seanad, Minister Richard Bruton, cites as part of the main viciousness of the institution that ‘… the final 11 seats in the Seanad are hand-picked by the Taoiseach of the day, who can parachute individuals directly into a seat without reference to any electorate, large or small.’

Jim Cosgrove’s excellent letter “US security machine runs rampant” (Aug 12), hits the propaganda nail on the head.

I can’t imagine that a single public representative, either senator or TD, would not welcome improvements in organ donation in this country, bearing in mind that 650 people and their families are living in hope.

A number of points made in your recent editorial (Aug 12) struck me as demonstrating a clear lack of understanding of certain issues in the Six Counties.

The Independent Resistance Group formed by James Delvaney deserves the support of every credit union in the country.

Why do parents who wish to protect their children from abuse and pornography allow their under 18s access to potential harm via social networking sites?

For many years economists have argued about whether Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or Gross National Product (GNP) is the better measure of the overall economic performance of a country.

The Cork–Dublin hurling semi-final was thoroughly enjoyed by those who, like myself, made the trip to the capital.

The violent expression of indignation by loyalists and Orange Order members at the sight of the Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir visiting the Shankill Road is nothing more than a grotesque display of raw sectarianism.

I was slightly bemused when I read Anthony O’Leary’s letter to the editor (Aug 7) entitled “What we really need is another Churchill”.