Sir, - Here I am, listening to interviews with those involved in the Asgard restoration/replica/rebuild debate. Here I am in Kerry, facing unemployment, due to foot and mouth restrictions which directly affect our business as an incoming tour operator, specialising in walking holidays. We have also a £10 million replica famine ship, now rescued by public funds.
Also in Kerry, we have one of the highest male suicide rates in the State, spiralling teenage drinking and few roads with surfaces, to mention a few issues that spring to mind.
When will public funding be used for public issues that matter in everyday lives? When will corporate funding build replica ships?
I suggest corporate funding is not available for replica ships as corporations survive on profits. The lack of profit potential in noble projects has steered corporations clear of noble ideals. When will the Government follow suit?
Surely the addressing of social problems is as noble as the rescuing of the Asgard? What, I wonder, would Mr Childers think? - Yours, etc.,
Deirdre O'Sullivan, Keel, Castlemaine, Co Kerry.
