IT disgusted me to learn that in 21st century Ireland, apparently a modern liberal democracy, free speech may be undermined by an arrogant and intolerant minority who demand that their opinion be respected and heeded yet grant no such respect to those who merely wish to speak upon one of the greatest ethical questions of our generation.

A RECENT report by the EU Commission points out that beef consumption in the union is higher than beef production for the first time in over 20 years. It is likely to stay that way until at least 2011.