Ministers' access to bus lanes

Sir, – To suggest (November 22nd) that Nepal is more “advanced” than Ireland because the Nepalese government has recently rescinded…

Sir, – To suggest (November 22nd) that Nepal is more “advanced” than Ireland because the Nepalese government has recently rescinded the privilege of police being able to stop traffic for ministers is plainly ludicrous. What help would it be to this country for government ministers to sit in traffic wasting time?

They should be allowed to use the bus lanes and get on with the business of running the country – any other view on the matter is reminiscent of that unfortunate Irish trait – begrudgery! – Yours, etc,

GEOFF SCARGILL,

Loreto Grange,

Bray,

Co Wicklow.

Sir, – So now we know why Dublin Bus is decimating the bus service, under the thin veneer of “increased efficiency” that is Network Direct. It’s to create more room in the Quality Bus Corridors (bus lanes) for Ministers to whizz to “important meetings” in their “cars” (Home News, November 21st and Letters November 22nd).

Maybe if the Ministers used the bus some time, they might realise the difficulties that we ordinary Dubliners face. Coming on top of the instructions to advisers to address members as Deputy or Minister in the hallowed halls of the Dáil, it smacks of QBE (Quite Blatant Elitism). They need to come down off their pedestals and get real. – Yours, etc,

MARK LAWLER,

South Circular Road,

Kilmainham,

Dublin 8.