Perhaps it is time for both Enda Kenny and Micheál Martin to accept that the majority of voters in the country do not want either of them to “lead” the government (as neither received a clear mandate from the electorate).

I have lived and worked in Israel, on two separate occasions.

I have the highest respect for the Irish Defence Forces. The defence forces are considered by their peers to be highly efficient and professional.

Upon the confirmation of a referendum on same sex marriage I immediately knew how I would vote.

I am appalled that lawful assembly has been usurped and used by extremism to intimidate one of the most intellectual Presidents the country has had. If only people could see past bitterness and hate and realise the limitations of his office.

How often have we heard politicians say "I am not in politics for the money"?

Newspaper reports indicate continuing harassment/intimidation of Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

Perhaps the time is now right for the Government to appoint a Garda Commissioner from outside the Force.

The interference of Russia in Ukraine cannot be condoned.

We are informed that Ireland has withdrawn funding to an anti-drug programme in Iran because of concern that drug traffickers detected under this scheme were being sentenced to death.

Lest Mr Mulvany (Letters, Aug 27) is confusing me with another — I would like to clarify, while there is a Col (retired) Michael (Mick) Moriarty, who has indeed given many years of exemplary service both to Irish Defence Forces and United Nations Military Operations (we served together in Jerusalem 1974), I on the other hand served as a civilian staff member employed directly by United Nations.

Once again, we hear of serious violence during a GAA game in Donegal.

The dastardly bomb attack on innocent civilians during the Boston marathon should be condemned by all.

It has taken smaller countries such as Cyprus and Iceland to stand up to the bully boys of Europe, including the ECB and IMF.

Benedict Arnold (a general in the American colonial army who defected to the British for monetary reward) is a name synonymous, throughout the world, with an act of treachery.

Once again with recent voting on the budget we have seen a complete lack of democracy in the Dáil.

Colette Browne (Aug 28) makes some very valid points which would be very reasonable if we were dealing with people (governments) of honesty or integrity.

I would ask the following:

WE are now told that various groups and individuals are calling on the British authorities to be “fair and reasonable” with those charged in connection with the outbreaks of violence.

THE recent cases of the “missed transplant and hospital records” highlight once again the lack of accountability in the Irish system.

WE have been informed that coalition forces have attacked targets in Libya to “protect civilians”.

UNDER the heading “Don’t let Libya set the agenda” the deputy ambassador at the Embassy of Israel has made some questionable statements.