Mála Poist

Sinn Féin & Fianna Fáil no thanks

A Chairde,

I would find a coalition of the three parties Sinn Féin — love of country; The Green Party — love of the environment; and Labour — love of the workers, more palatable than if Sinn Féin were to share power with Fianna Fáil — whose only motivation, it would seem, is greed.

Rossa Ó Snodaigh,

Dublin 8.

Gaeltacht gan Ghaeilge?

A Chairde,

It was with great disappointment that I learned of Kerry County Council's decision not to impose restrictions of language on those seeking to build in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh. It is time to be very frank regarding our national tongue. Either we wish to save it for future generations or we don't.

While recognising the fantastic work being carried out by Irish language activists in non-Gaeltacht areas, it would not be inaccurate to say that An Ghaeltacht has always been the backbone of our native tongue. Ach, seo an cheist. Do we wish to save An Ghaeltacht?

If we don't, fair enough, then let's forget about imposing any language restrictions and while we are at it, why continue using names like Baile an Fheirtéaraigh. Let's replace the name on the signpost with Ballyferriter if we are not serious about trying to protect the Gaeltacht status of the area.

However, if we are serious about saving An Ghaeltacht, we have to ensure that there are people living there who will ensure its survival, ie. Irish speakers. Let's not try to kid ourselves by saying that we can still call such areas 'Gaeltachtaí' if the amount of Irish being spoken there is purely tokenistic. It is time for honesty with regard to our native language.

Anything less would be an insult to one of the oldest tongues of mankind.

Risteárd Ó Fuaráin,

Baile Uí Thaidhg,

Co Ciarraí.

Waterford bridge ripoff

A Chairde,

There has been controversy here in Waterford recently about our second river crossing, which is to be tolled.

Senior local politicians have waded in with statements such as "look to the future, not the past". They are saying, more or less, "send in the bulldozers". The trouble with that ill-thought out plan is that the project would destroy a significant part of our Viking heritage, which until recently has lain undiscovered for centuries.

Adding insult to injury to the people of the South East, the reason given for this is that private investors will not wait around forever to finance a new bridge. Judging by the success of the Eastlink and Westlink bridges in Dublin, huge success for the operators and owners that is, I doubt very much if there will ever be a problem with financing a private bridge, when the taxpayers foot the bill for miles of new roadway leading to and from the crossing.

I cannot understand why a private company should be handed such a lucrative, fail-safe way of making money. The people of the southeast deserve to hear more public debate about this matter. I for one would much prefer to pay once through my taxes for the combined project of a bridge and road, rather than pay every time I cross the bridge. Having waited this long for a second bridge, I would rather wait a bit longer than rush in and damage an historical site in order to facilitate private investors.

Patrick J Fitzgerald,

County Waterford.