Garda Commissioner Drew Harris’ remarks at a passing out parade in Templemore yesterday will inevitably start a new round of that increasingly common shout-down-the-messenger diversion.

Take a bow, Ireland. At a moment when so many once reliable societies shy away from the never-ending challenge of sustaining progressive, tolerant, welcoming, largely decent societies, we re-elected a president whose half-century political career has been dedicated to the long and always democratic pursuit of those noble, uplifting ideals.

John Glennon (Letters, Dec 16) referring to the Official Languages Act claims “Without the active support of top management, the new legislation was doomed from the start.”

When is the last time you were positively surprised by a decision in Official Ireland?