Government policy of wealth before health

IT IS a sad day for this country when five innocent citizens of Ireland, having taken a stance against Government and industry, are sentenced to serve prison time for attempting to protect the health and well-being of their families and community.

Neither the Government nor industry have been sentenced to serve prison time essentially for attempting to protect the health and well-being of their families and community.

Neither the Government nor industry will provide 100% guarantees that the health of the families, through whose land this controversial pipeline will run, will not be adversely affected as a consequence.

We, the citizens of Ireland, elect the Government to protect our interests and not the interests of multinationals. However, on all occasions the multinationals interests are paramount and the best interests of the ordinary citizens of Ireland come a poor second.

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources states that Shell is in breach of planning laws. However, even in light of this illegality, five innocent men are jailed.

This is the same department that govern the telecommunications industry, and it is aware of the numerous phone masts all over Ireland that do not comply with the planning laws of Ireland. What has the Government done in relation to these breaches? Nothing.

The citizens of Ireland owe a big debt to these five courageous men, as they are putting the health of the nation before wealth.

John Cummins

Pearse Street

Cahir

Co Tipperary