Madam, - I wonder what other country sends almost its entire cabinet abroad to celebrate its national holiday. Why do they not stay at home and review parades in all the towns and small communities where locals make great efforts to keep community spirit alive?
No doubt they will tell us that it is for the good of the country and to attract trade and tourism, but there are enough of them at that already- Yours, etc.,
BRIAN McCAFFREY, Clifton Crescent, Galway.
Madam, - The practice of the most prominent Government ministers flying around the globe to celebrate St Patrick's Day anywhere but in Ireland has been going on for so long that it can seem almost natural. I suspect that many Irish emigrants might have more regard for practical assistance from the Government, rather than the empty comfort of an annual flying visit.
To compare ourselves with our role-model republic, it is inconceivable that the leaders of the French government would be outside France on Bastille Day, no matter what the delights of Quebec, New Orleans, Mauritius or Pondicherry. Even if we have the luxury of more than 30 government ministers in Ireland, should they not celebrate our national day with us in the bracing weather of the Emerald Isle? - Yours, etc.,
HUGO BRADY BROWN, Stratford on Slaney, Co Wicklow.