Madam, - I am in broad agreement with Fintan O'Toole's column of January 13th, but I think we might reflect on why certain environmental and heritage agencies are regarded with hostility by certain vocal elements within our society.
Mr O'Toole writes that "in some parts of Ireland admitting membership of An Taisce is to invite the pariah status of a paedophile". I can concur. I have met a number of councillors who physically wince at the mention of An Taisce.
There is certainly a declared perception that An Taisce as an organisation is peopled by uninformed individuals ignorant of the living needs of ordinary people.
While much of the criticism of An Taisce is undeserved and exaggerated, could it be that An Taisce has a number of questions to ask itself? Why is there such open hostility to the organisation, particularly in the country (surely malevolent developers are not entirely to blame)? Are all branches of An Taisce sufficiently informed when making formal submissions?
Given the sullied reputation of the organisation, should An Taisce not be reformed so that, even if it does not gain full acceptance from all, at least confidence in the organisation would be fully restored for those of us who wish Ireland to defend and maintain what is left of its valuable heritage? - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL TURLEY, (Fianna Fáil Representative, Pembroke), Beech Hill Drive, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.