Shame on you for publishing such a vicious diatribe as penned by Desmond Fitzgerald. Yes, you will say everyone has a right to express their views, but his hysterical outburst is so offending such as it is, full of groundless generalisations; childish name-calling and the unjust reference to Michael Noonan, which is the final straw for me.

The recent challenge to Gerry Adams TD to come clean on his past raises the spectre of never-ending allegation, claim, counter-claim, denial and obfuscation until the whole issue is reduced to an absurdity which plays directly into the hands of those totally opposed to the peace process.

Much work has been done in recent years to improve the N52 linking Dundalk to Nenagh. Extensive works are underway near Borrisokane to improve transit times on this corridor.

Having spent a week under the expert care of the staff at the Mercy Hospital, Cork, it is worth recording my complete disgust at the treatment of these people at the hands of the clampers.

Serious concerns about the impact of both genetically engineered food and pesticides on health have been raised in recent research. This first published life-long study of health impacts of consumption of genetically engineered food and a specific pesticide raises serious issues. The study observed rats over a two-year period and clearly showed an increase in serious illness, namely cancers, renal and hepatic disease and serious disturbances in the endocrine system.

I agree with the letter of Godwin Golightly (Sept 20) regarding TDs’ expenses.

The statement issued by Government sources that the proposed children’s rights amendment to the Constitution will be a “strong, robust article designed to enhance the constitutional protection of children from abusive situations” is somewhat lacking in credibility.

Fás is, once again, delivering a bad service to the public by not having enough places on courses for those that want them.

Michael Flynn’s letter on escape routes for slurry tanks (Sept 19) makes a number of very valid points on escape routes and designs for slurry tanks.

It appears that some politicians, mainly Republican, have urged the Taoiseach to resist attempts to ‘legalise abortion’. (Sept, 24.)