Reaction to bailout deal

A chara,  – The deal agreed with the IMF last week, on behalf of the people of Ireland, clearly does not represent the will …

A chara,  – The deal agreed with the IMF last week, on behalf of the people of Ireland, clearly does not represent the will of the people. The President now has an obligation under Article 27.5.1 of Bunreacht na hÉireann to refuse to sign the accompanying Bill into law.  If we are to retain any vestige of democracy in this country, it’s time for a referendum. –  Is mise,

GLENN CAHILL,

Willbrook Park,

Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.

Madam, – When I lived in Brazil, the IMF was called in to sort out a temporary banking crisis there. In short, the stabilisation of the currency had exposed the “bad banks” in Brazil; the Brazilian government had to either capitalise the banks or sell them off to outside interests.

The Brazil attitude was double-edged; they realised the importance of external help but also the necessity of boosting foreign exchange reserves to stave off a future financial crisis.

At present, Ireland’s gold reserves stand at six tonnes. This is tiny compared to the overall indebtedness of the country.

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I would, therefore, suggest that Ireland’s Diaspora (of which I am part) start to contribute to buying gold bullion for Ireland.

Perhaps Ireland’s embassies abroad could help organise the purchase of gold for Ireland? Surely, there is no need for us to stand idly by in Ireland’s hour of need? – Yours, etc,

BERNARD O’GRADY,

Queens Avenue,

Muswell Hill,

London, England.

Madam, – Who will put the interests of the four million citizens first and say yes to equal education, say yes to equal healthcare and yes to a fair society where hard work and industry will be rewarded? Who will say no to the IMF, no the EU, no the bond holders, no to self-serving public servants and unions? Who will right-size our administration and public pay scales and give me and my children hope in this country? Answers, quickly, please. – Yours, etc,

ROBERT NOONE,

Glendara, Dooradoyle,

Limerick.

Madam, – The news this week seems limited to two topics: the weather and the economy.

Well, at least we can do something about the weather. – Yours, etc,

VINCENT ROANTREE,

Fisherman’s Row East,

Baltimore,

Co Cork.