Sir - Let's not be naive! Beijing is not the kind of government to rejoice in Dublin Corporation's stated aim of twinning: "the exchange of ideas, information, people and cultures to the mutual benefit of each city".
This is a regime that cruelly suppresses any ideas and information which are not to its liking, that sends dissidents to labour camps and that practises "patriotic re-education" in Tibet, thereby endangering the region's unique Buddhist culture.
Let us leave the onerous but necessary task of constructive dialogue with China to those, such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who have in-depth knowledge and some influence with the Chinese authorities. Dublin, its citizens and its councillors can best promote the healthy development of Chinese society through solid support for such efforts. In the meantime, let us maintain a dignified distance. - Yours, etc.,
Joy MaWhinney, Clonard Drive, Dublin 16.