Seeing Chávez in context

Madam, - I would like to congratulate you on your leader article in today's paper (May 30th) urging a balanced view of Hugo …

Madam, - I would like to congratulate you on your leader article in today's paper (May 30th) urging a balanced view of Hugo Chávez's rule in Venezuela. In recent times, all the media coverage has been uniformly negative and I suspect that this is prompted by multinational oil companies and banks.

As you point out, removal of checks and balances is grounds for concern but, in terms of the bigger picture, it is refreshing seeing a leader more concerned about his people than corporations. I wonder what he would do about the "Shell to Sea" standoff? -

(Dr) JACK DOWNEY, Old Cratloe Road,  Caherdavin,  Co Limerick.