Sir, - May I make at least a mild protest at the way nowadays plain language is replaced by catch-phrases and slang, even in such a serious medium as the RTE 1 news bulletins.
For example: things are "taken on board" that have nothing to do with loading a ship. Nobody resigns or retires any more; they "step down". Authorities do not give approval; they give "the green light". And when I hear a politician say "let me be perfectly clear about this..." I know I am in for a bout of obfuscation. - Yours, etc.,
W. J. Murphy, Malahide, Co Dublin.
