National ID cards better than passports

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has said that if Britain introduces mandatory ID cards, then Ireland will have to follow suit.

Many Irish people, such as myself, would be glad of a voluntary ID card, regardless of what Britain decides.

Irish people who travel to, or live in, mainland European countries must, by law, carry their passports at all times. Other EU citizens can get by with their handy, credit card-sized national ID cards.

When Irish people return home, they again must carry their bulky passports, while other Europeans can enter Ireland with their ID cards.

If Mr McDowell would kindly issue an ID card alternative to the Irish passport, it would save a lot of us ex-pats some hassle.

Mark Sugrue

Chestnut Drive

Englefield Green

Egham

Surrey

England