I wish to express my thanks to various members of Iarnrod Eireann staff.

I travelled from Wexford to Cork on Saturday last ( May 16 ) and stopped off in Glantane village. I went into a pub — Corkerys — and asked the man in the bar if I could get a bowl of soup.

I recently learned in the Irish Examiner of the threats made to members of An Garda Siochana stationed in Carbury, Co. Kildare, and to their families. It was news to me, but hardly surprising, considering the criminal fraternity are well aware of politicians’ lack of interest in the welfare of members of the force. Politicians have denuded the force of manpower, transport and finance for years.

It was the final playlist of the man know affectionately to his friends as The Dude.

I have just been watching a TV discussion involving Minister Leo Varadker who spoke about his intention to legislate on minimum pricing and other restrictions on alcoholic drink.

When our recession was at its peak we heard that the quangos would be cut when the new government were elected, that the number of advisers to Government would be reduced and that no salaries over €100,000 would be paid.

I have just witnessed another head-banging programme on RTÉ Two — Drunk.

The speed with which our new Minister for Justice acted in giving additional powers to the GSOC, makes me recall the old adage of those who act in haste.

As a former member I feel compelled to write in defence of An Garda Síochána, after listening and reading so much criticism by so many politicians and other individuals. I would question many on whether they have vested interests in expressing their views.

The GAA decision to give certain championship matches to Sky is a slap in the face to the real GAA supporter.

As a former member of An Garda Síochána, I am glad that Martin Callinan has retired as Commissioner, both for his sake and his family’s.

The attitude displayed by the chairman of the Garda Ombudsman Commission made one wonder about their impartiality.

I must compliment the judge and state solicitor for dropping the case (Irish Examiner, Jan 8, 2014) in which two members of the gardaí were before the courts for a case in which a teenager admitted being the ringleader of a violent attack by a gang of youths.

STUDENTS have been making an exhibition of themselves for 50 years at the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

The remarks by Gerry Adams following the Smithwick Report would make all rightthinking people sick to the core.

I read with interest an article by Cormac O’Keeffe in the Irish Examiner (Nov 25) in connection with inmates in Shelton Abbey open prison being granted permission to have mobile phones. It said they are being given out as part of a pilot scheme to improve prison behaviour.

I feel it is only right and fitting that the displays of the teams in the two games at Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day are acknowledged.

I have just returned from the funeral ceremony for Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe in Dundalk and I feel I must write to say I was honoured to have been in the attendance to listen to the words spoken by Fr Michael Cusack at the mass.

AS a former member of the Garda Representative Association Executive, I wish to congratulate the outgoing president Damien McCarthy in speaking out on behalf of his members and highlighting the embargo on recruitment to the force.

I WAS disgusted but not surprised at the insult by PJ Sheehan, the Cork South West Fine Gael TD, to a member of the gardaí at Leinster House.

THERE is a group of people in this country, and I am sure in most other countries, who appear to have slipped under the radar with the advance of time.

I WISH to congratulate Brian Cowen on his pending elevation to the office of An Taoiseach.

I READ that people were surprised when one of the gang that killed Det Garda Jerry McCabe was released from prison recently.

JUDGE James O’Connor was reported recently to have ordered a man to leave the country within 48 hours or serve seven months in jail for receiving stolen property.

I DEPLORE the unethical behaviour of our Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, while serving as our Minister for Finance.

IF the subject were not so serious one would be tempted to laugh, when we are being encouraged by supporters of the IRA murderers to welcome the announcement of decommissioning of weapons and explosives.

I HAVE observed over the past few weeks the re-emergence of the Charlie Haughey fan club.