Letters to the Editor: We need a new Ireland defence forces

Government policy always appeared intended to give just enough limited resources to defend the state but never to defend the Irish nation, writes one correspondent.

It is worth reflecting on past and present governments that have continually failed to organise and deliver a cohesive Irish defence strategy for all of its citizens.

One hundred years of neglect of our Defence Forces has finally delivered the fatal blow with every unit under strength, under-equipped, unable to attract sufficient recruits, and unable to stop the exodus from its dwindling military ranks to oblivion.