Madam, - I used to believe that if there were more women in politics the world would be a kinder place but Ms Mary Coughlan has shown herself to be as harsh and uncaring as any man.
In her previous ministry she targeted the most vulnerable members of society - most of whom are women - when she implemented her 16 savage cuts. Now, as Minister for Agriculture, she has recently stated that she is pleased to see the resumption of live animal exports as this will be good for the economy.
No concern is expressed for the hungry, thirsty animals who have had to endure miserable lives, who must now travel in cramped conditions for hours and sometimes days on end. The misery they have endured is finally brought to an end by a cruel and bloody death.
It is not surprising that animals treated in this barbaric manner develop new, untreatable diseases which will eventually be passed on to human meat-eaters who will then become a burden on the economy when they add to the chaos of what passes for a health service in this country.
Maybe such a thought would provide an incentive for Ms Coughlan to seek to improve the lot of our dumb friends. - Yours, etc.,
CARMEL COURTNEY,
Sandyford Road,
Dublin 16.