Sir, - With disbelief I read (The Irish Times, December 24th) that the Phoenix Park authorities decided that the size of the deer herd should be reduced in order to minimise the deaths inflicted on them by the speeding motorists.
According to the park superintendent, Mr John McCullen, the greatest number of fatalities happen from October onwards and about 100 animals are killed annually.
I think this is a disgrace, reflects poorly on the mentality of the motorist, and shows a gross lack of self-discipline.
I do not drive myself but I would appeal to motorists to remember, that apart from the deer in the Park, every time they get behind the wheel of the car they are in possession of a lethal weapon. - Yours, etc., William McEwan,
Wheatfield Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.