BRENDAN M. REDMOND,
Sir, - In his speech at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, Bertie Ahern used the word "shameful" to describe how the richer countries treated poorer ones.
From the clip shown on RTÉ News, it was also shameful to see him deliver his speech. He mumbled it, rushed through it and rarely looked up at his audience. One got the distinct impression that when he did, he did a quick head count to see if any more had left the auditorium since he had last raised his head.
With all the handlers around him, one would have thought that a professional should have been made available to prepare him for such an important appearance on the world stage. Or do they believe they have a more important job getting him ready for more serious spinning at home? - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN M. REDMOND, Hazelbrook Road, Terenure, Dublin 6.