Sir, – There has been a certain amount of media interest in various instances where gender balance has been an issue in relation to the selection of candidates for the forthcoming general election.
Cack-handed, but at least a step in the right direction. There has been wide coverage of the current difficulties of the IFA and not a woman in sight.
The farming community would not be fit for purpose were it not for the largely unsung commitment of countless women. There may well be a woman or two on the unwieldy executive committee of the IFA, but they were not to be seen. Perhaps a few women in positions of influence might help the men to get a grip on themselves. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK CARMODY
Collinstown,
Co Westmeath.
Sir, – I don’t see what all the fuss is about. The IFA is a wealthy organisation and is entitled to pay what it likes. It’s their money. If Pat Smith gets €2 million we, the taxpayers, are better off by more than a million. – Yours, etc,
FRANK CHEATLE
Tramore,
Co Waterford.
Sir, – We already have the fat cats. Now we have the fatted calves. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL O’DONNELL
Whitehall,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Mysterious funding of leadership and organisation. Bullyboys and convicted cereal tillers in the background. Ewe turns on promises. Rank and file no longer cowed fearing possible Farms Decommissioning. Supervised/verified by General de Charolais if they can rustle him up! The rest of the population sick to the teat of the plot of them. After an all-night meeting we have the Cheese Process Agreement. The Continuity IFA. They haven’t gone away you know. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL ROONEY
Knocknacarra,
Galway.