Praise for Chernobyl volunteers

I WOULD like to express my immense admiration for the efforts of the thousands of Irish volunteers that have helped the victims of the Chernobyl disaster for the past 20 years.

Seeing the enormous convoy of aid being sent to Belarus recently was a timely reminder that generosity is still alive in the Ireland of 2006.

Every one of the affected children that received medical treatment here is a testimony not only to the folly of nuclear power but also to the generosity of the Irish people.

Aside from aid, we also owe it to the people of Belarus, western Russia and the Ukraine to never allow another disaster like that of Chernobyl. We must, as a society, continue to exert pressure on governments, including our own, to turn away from the foolhardy economic and environmental cul de sac that is nuclear power.

In the meantime, well done to all those who continued to help the radiation victims even when Chernobyl was no longer registering on news bulletins.

Martin O’Keeffe

96 Beechfield Estate

Fermoy

Co Cork