Sir, – Further to the suggestion of Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae that "only God controls the weather" (News, May 5th) rendering moot any carbon tax, I wonder if there are any other areas of governance that are divinely regulated.
One can only hope that in addition to prescribing our environmental policy, a kindly deity might intervene in the health or housing crises. – Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER McMAHON
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.
Sir, – “Only God controls the weather,” according to Danny Healy-Rae. So that’s what happened to Kerry in the second half of the league final against Dublin – he gave the half-time talk in the Kerry dressing room.
– Yours etc,
KEVIN BYRNE
Coomhola
West Cork.
Sir, – I’d love to spend an afternoon in Healy-Rae’s bar in Kilgarvan gazing out the window and, weather permitting, watching the sun moving around the earth.
– Yours, etc,
BRIAN AHERN
Clonsilla,
Dublin 15.
Sir, – The attention given to Danny Healy-Rae’s ludicrous comments on climate change overshadows the fact that this important issue has not even been considered during government formation talks.
At November’s climate change summit in Paris, Taoiseach Enda Kenny failed to agree to Ireland’s proposed emissions targets. This flippant attitude towards one of the most serious issues facing our planet looks like it will continue throughout the 32nd Dáil.
Wednesday’s debate highlights the parochial nature of our national parliament and its apathy towards our international responsibilities. This is short-sighted and regrettable.
– Yours, etc,
SIMON FOY
Sutton,
Dublin 13.
Sir, – In his comments on God and climate change, Danny Healy-Rae is unusually modest for a politician, even more so for a Healy-Rae. One Canadian politician is on record as saying, “With seasonally adjusted temperatures we could eliminate winter”.
As a TD, Mr Healy-Rae really should know you cannot raise the people’s expectations nearly enough before blaming others for failing to deliver.
– Yours, etc,
JOHN McANDREW
Moira,
Co Down,
Sir, – Danny Healy-Rae’s confusion of the difference between weather and climate, and his ignorance of the longer-term costs to economic activity of the scientifically-established increased levels of greenhouse gases, is yet another reason why geography should be a core subject in the new Junior Cycle.
– Yours, etc,
PETER LYDON
Clondalkin,
Dublin 22
