Sir, - I am writing to congratulate Comdt Aidan Flanagan of the Irish Air Corps for his outspoken remarks as he received the premier award of the ISIA from the Minister of Defence, Michael Smith. I am glad to see the Air Corps have finally started to stand up for themselves and demand the necessary funds to purchase equipment which is long overdue.
It is about time the people of this country fully recognised that the airmen and women of the helicopter wing in Baldonnel are providing a professional and vital service with an ageing fleet.
I hope that the hierarchy of the Air Corps and Defence Forces can take leadership from Comdt Flanagan's remarks, spoken as a person who is obviously fully committed and totally loyal to serving this State. - Yours, etc., Maria O'Flaherty,
Hermitage Gardens, Lucan, Co Dublin.