It now seems from now on that "Rural Ireland" will call the shots every time a controversial piece of legislation is being decided. Anything it would seem that threatens rural life or affects it in any way is immediately vetoed by our country folk. Necessary drink–driving legislation had been on hold for years and watered down on its enactment to suit Rural Ireland and the road user who goes to the pub and comes home under the influence.

Recent stag-hunting legislation caused uproar from our blood-sport community in Rural Ireland, despite the fact that very few wild Irish stags remain, who face extinction in the near future. All of these pieces of legislation were necessary, which was met with furious opposition from rural dwellers who fight everything if it means change of any kind. We also need to examine what exactly rural life actually means and why it should be preserved no matter how backward or cruel-minded it might be. Rural Ireland wants to play by its own rules, where some country folk who live in the wild pay no head to conservation issues, or issues that seriously threaten public safety such as drink-driving laws? A high number of suicides affect rural people and it follows that the rural way of life is not doing them any favours. Instead of going hunting, rural folk would be better off setting up social clubs, where they could get off on lively conversation and interaction rather than traipsing over fields and ditches in an effort to capture some animal running for its life. Rural Ireland is the life of the Neanderthal and the nomad, which will not bring a better future. We have been criticised internationally as a country for backwardness, and we are set to go back further if we listen to Rural Ireland and the culshees that govern us.

Maurice Fitzgerald,

Shanbally, Co Cork

From TP?Bealin-Kelly

In the evolution of any species, there is on occasion the need for re-classification. This usually results from contamination or adulteration. Fianna Fail's liaison with corrupt bankers and developers renders it eminently suitable for re-classification. May I suggest that the genus 'Soldiers of Destiny' be reclassifiued as 'Soldiers of Treachery'?

T P Bealin-Kelly

Blanchardstown Village, Dublin 15