Dáil vote on stag hunting

Madam, – In view of the sparsity of policies and the vote on the stag hunting Bill, my suggested motto for “new” Labour under…

Madam, – In view of the sparsity of policies and the vote on the stag hunting Bill, my suggested motto for “new” Labour under the leadership of Eamon Gilmore is “the no policies, no principles party”. – Yours, etc,

DP DALY,

St Aidan’s Drive,

Goatstown, Dublin 14.

Madam, – Having lived most of my 72 years in the countryside, I love and cherish rural life, but that does not include the barbarity of harassing animals by chasing them and terrorising them. To behave as though such activity is acceptable is an insult to all living creatures – rural, or urban. – Yours, etc,

JUDITH HOAD,

Inver, Co Donegal.

Madam, – It must be a great tonic for the sick and elderly of our country to witness the concern being displayed by our TDs for animal welfare. Some backbenchers have even rebelled. If it weren’t so sad it would be funny! Will we ever see the day in Ireland when any TD will rebel against what is laughingly called our health service? – Yours, etc,

JOAN SCALLY,

The Strand,

Athlone, Co Westmeath.