Sir, - As a "dyed-in-the-wool Dub" who has never written to a newspaper, and who is by family lore descended from dairy farmers from Dalkey, I have to say that I am moved to tears by the impact of foot-and-mouth disease on the farmers of Louth. In spite of the divide that is often presented in the media, I would like to express my empathy and support for those farmers in Louth in their time of despair and adversity. Be assured the Dubs are with you. - Yours, etc.,
Jim Quinn, Glenageary, Co Dublin.