As we approach the eve of another St Patrick’s Day, our esteemed political representatives prepare to make their annual pilgrimage to the four corners of the globe in an effort to market the many attributes our little island nation has to offer.

With reference to Edward Horgan (Letters, Mar 13) in relation to the presence of possibly eight members of the Defence Forces being stationed in Afghanistan, it should be pointed it that it is no coincidence that the number is in single figures.

Because of the downturn in the building industry in recent years, partially completed private housing developments have been lying unsold. Uncertainty reigned and nothing happened.

The news that test wells in the Barryroe oil field indicate that production will surpass 2,000 barrels a day is welcome news, but we should not lose sight of the fact that this is only 1.25% of Ireland’s oil consumption of 160,000 bpd.

I am a mother.

A free press is sacrosant in protecting our democracy and, indeed, protecting our people from abuse by the powerful institutional forces that exist in our country i.e banks, government, church etc.

Powerful private capital trumps ordinary workers and unemployed who have become diffuse and weakened through personal debt burden and socialisation of private capitalist losses, eroding public health and state education funding.

Twenty-five of the 27 euro countries have signed up to the Fiscal Compact Treaty, with Ireland subject to a Referendum.

I love Cork, I was born and reared there and I visit as often as I can.

I was disappointed to read your editorial (March 12) in relation to salmon farming which referred to “light touch regulation”.