Ignoring wildlife will seal its fate

WHATEVER his other failings, Charles Haughey was a great friend of Ireland's seal population. Throughout his political career, he was passionately devoted to the protection and conservation of these enchanted sea creatures.

The same, alas, cannot be said of his chosen successor. The present Taoiseach and his Government have turned their backs on the seals, reneging on a commitment to provide funding of 1.8 million to the Irish Seal Sanctuary.

This vital refuge is now on the verge of closing due to lack of State support. At any time, such a situation would augur badly for the seals, but right now it could spell disaster for them. Marine experts have warned of a likely outbreak of PVD, a disease that killed over 18,000 seals in 1987. This time, it could spawn an even greater ecological catastrophe.