Madam, - So far, in my life of nearly 70 years, I have managed to keep my behaviour well within the social norms expected of citizens of this State. I have not fornicated in the streets; nor have I spat out my chewing-gum there. I do not speed on the roads. I do not wear my jumpers a size too small, showing my midriff.
However, I do have one anti-social behaviour disorder to confess: I allow my small, harmless doggie friend, "Cassie", to run around gleefully in our local park off the lead in contravention of the recent order to keep dogs on the lead while in the park. I am not, in my estimation, being anti- social as I do pick up any items Cassie might expel in the course of her exercises.
I realise I have blown my cover by this confession. However, I do so in the hope that the faceless "powers that be" will reconsider their decision and confine their strictures to insisting that owners remove dog poo from the park. - Yours, etc.,
IRENE REDMOND, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.