Madam, - What a wonderful article by Orla Tinsley on those who live with cystic fibrosis, and die from it (Opinion & Analysis, January 9th). I could empathise so much with her anger at the media hype that surrounded Katy French's lifestyle and unexpected and tragic death.
So much tragedy. So little time. I hope Orla's voice is heard. - Yours, etc,
KATE CUDMORE, Southcourt, South Douglas Road, Cork.
Madam, - Orla Tinsley's article was an eye-opener. Given that Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world, it is incredible that we do not yet have a dedicated cystic fibrosis unit. Our hospitals are, unfortunately, dangerous places to be for the fully healthy, never mind those who are extremely prone to infection.
I wish Orla the very best for 2008 and sincerely hope she may get her Christmas wish this year. - Yours, etc,
FIONNUALA O'DONNELL, Pembroke Cottages, Dublin 4.
Madam, - The words of the late, inspirational John O'Donohue, "May we discover/ Beneath our fear/ Embers of anger to kindle justice", are surely reflected in the profound writing of Orla Tinsley on cystic fibrosis. This is the stuff of role models! - Yours, etc,
ANN HOBAN, Oakglynn, Naas, Co Kildare.
Madam, - I was horrified to read Orla Tinsley's description of the poor facilities in Ireland for cystic fibrosis sufferers. As a colleague of mine has the condition I am familiar with her needs and the treatments which she receives quite easily here in Britain.
I took it for granted that in Ireland, whose economic success has been the envy of the world for the past 15 years, it would be likewise.
For a country that is constantly blowing its own trumpet so loudly in a desperate attempt to show that it is a "player", it is barely credible that the conditions in hospitals are so inadequate. It seems Ms Tinsley is correct to conclude that the only thing that matters in modern Ireland is vacuous glamour. - Yours, etc,
B. KENEGHAN, Vernon Rise, London WC1.