Ireland in the 1950s

Madam, - As an adult who spent my holidays in Dublin during the years 1955 to 1960, I am wholly in agreement with Father Con McGillicudy (July 17th). Ireland was a far happier and safer place then than it is today.

Is Marian Redmond suggesting that all those unhappy people, families of alcoholics, pregnant girls, victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, are both happier and safer because it is 2003?

There are far more unhappy people now with the addition of families of drug addicts and suicides. No one can seriously argue that Ireland is a safer place now than in 1950-60. - Yours, etc.,

G. KELLY,

Kincora Road,

Clontarf,

Dublin 3.