The new Ireland

Madam, - Barrister Denis Lyons writes that Ireland is losing "something special and unique, namely our traditionally flexible…

Madam, - Barrister Denis Lyons writes that Ireland is losing "something special and unique, namely our traditionally flexible and commonsensical Irish attitude to rules and regulations" (January 3rd).

And there I was under the reasonable impression that things function common-sensibly and smoothly when rules and regulations are followed. Could it be that Mr Lyons pines after the "cute hoor" tradition that has afforded plenty of work for barristers and solicitors in an Old Ireland that to a large degree did not follow rules and regulations? - Yours, etc.,

NIALL O'DONOGHUE, Narva, Finland.