Madam, - Recently I have noticed members of the Garda Síochána leaning up against buildings on quite a few occasions. I wonder if new recruits are given any guidelines as to how to stand, as to my mind the sight of a young garda leaning on a corner (as I witnessed at the Five Lamps near Amiens Street in Dublin recently) does not inspire confidence.
Last week I saw a garda leaning up against the GPO in Dublin with his hands in his pockets, carrying on a shouted conversation with a woman standing on the kerb.
Perhaps the poor gardaí are too weak to stand up straight? Could it be the recent heatwave, a poor diet, or just lack of attention to such matters as deportment and bearing during their training that is responsible? - Yours, etc.,
FACHTNA KELLY, North Circular Road, Dublin 7.