SAM SIMPSON tells us that Finland quickly rebuilt their economy and their country after a collapse in the ’90s ‘thanks largely to generous spending on education, which accounts for 7% of GDP’ (Letters, April 21).

IN his letter concerning the Corrib Gas protesters Michael O’Connell (April 19) fails to realise that the current fiscal terms provide for a 25% fuel tax rate, with zero royalties and zero state ownership.

MICHAEL O’CONNELL’S labelling of Corrib protesters as villains who are hurting economic progress, defies any logical analysis of the facts.

HIQA and the HSE must be delighted. The template for closing any hospital is now clear. First, starve the institution of funds; ensure it can barely manage on a minimal budget; under no circumstances is any investment to be made; put in place a dysfunctional HSE management system.

THE Lonely Planet travel guide recommends Cork as a place well worthy of a visit to holiday-makers to our country.

MINISTER of State Brian Hayes claims the payment of €3 million to Colm Doherty ‘is a legacy issue … and you can’t undo something that’s already been put in place’.

AT a recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the 1916-1921 Club a motion was unanimously passed protesting at the coming planned State visit of Queen Elizabeth.

WHAT a beautiful place Kinsale is! We’ve just travelled for an hour and a quarter on a coach as visitors.

AT a time when banks are struggling to find funds for legitimate business projects and house purchase it seems ludicrous for the Government to allow the advancement of finance for the procurement of new cars.