The story of modern Ireland in two pictures

IF A picture is worth more than a thousand words, then two pictures in the Irish Examiner on July 4 speak volumes about the insanity that has been visited on this sorry country.

The picture on page 1 showed the heartbroken parents of little Roisín Ruddle carrying her coffin from Ballingarry Church two decent people who asked for medical treatment for their daughter and were refused.

On page 7 you showed a picture of some of the tens of thousands of 'refugees,' some of whom have been here for over seven years at the expense of the state, demanding the right to remain here, thumbing their noses at our immigration laws while our excuse for a government lacks the courage to enforce court judgements on this thorny but simple issue.

Those who shout loudest get what they want every time, thanks to their pressure groups, but at the expense of the weak and voiceless.

We all know that resources are limited, but a mere €1,000 could have saved little Roisín's life.

Our health and finance ministers should explain how they spent that €1,000 and how much of the health budget is actually being spent on health, and health only.

Is it too much to hope that the outrage of the Irish taxpayer might rain hot coals on the heads of this so-called government before more innocent lives are lost through their neglect?

John F Murray,

Garrylucas,

Kinsale,

Co Cork