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Comfort, hope and inspiration

Sir, – Jennifer O’Connell (Opinion & Analysis, January 1st) made an important point shared by many. “Night after night a changing cast of suited men at podiums told us about decisions that will affect all our lives for years, maybe decades”.

Research no doubt would show that the majority of people, doctors and nurses, caring for critically ill patients in overcrowded hospitals, etc, are women.

These dedicated women and men who care compassionately and professionally too often are taken for granted and poorly paid. Bonuses and spin would not enter their heads. They are too busy providing compassionate and professional care to seriously ill patients. Their thanks must be in the knowing that they bring comfort, hope and inspiration to so many worried people at this time.

Their work when acknowledged is what will enable change. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

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Coarse language – 02/09/21

Sir, – Thanks to Kathy Sheridan for focusing minds on the widespread use of coarse language (Opinion, September 1st). Coarse language clearly has become acceptable, even by our politicians who we expect to show at least a degree of courtesy and leadership – hope springs eternal.

Buzzwords too have become very fashionable and they come and go. One cannot miss the widespread use of the term “reaching out”. This buzzword is now appearing regularly, even in correspondence. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney addressing the Oireachtas committee examining Katherine Zappone’s appointment said “she reached out to me last summer”.

Let’s hope coarse language doesn’t become the norm and that “reaching out” is confined to the sin bin.

– Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust ,

Dublin 8.

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Zappone appointment raises questions

Sir, – The manner of the appointment of Katherine Zappone to the position of a special envoy to the UN raises a number of questions that should be of concern to anyone interested in the future of our political system. There are a number of important questions that need to be asked and answered. This is essential to ensure that the general public of all ages can maintain trust in our political system, which currently is at a very concerning all-time low. – Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services,

Alice Leahy Trust,

and former Irish

Human Rights

Commissioner,

Dublin 8.

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Remembering Mamo McDonald – 29/06/21

Sir, – Reflecting on the life of Mamo McDonald (“A pioneering ‘born again’ Irish feminist” (“Obituaries, June 26th) was a reminder of the importance of remembering the powerful women from the not too distant past, many of whom came from rural Ireland.

Mamo always acknowledged the inspiration she got from the great Dr Muriel Gahan (not Gann).

It has become all too easy to airbrush women out of existence who have contributed so much to Irish life in our rush to embrace progress, rather than asking what we could benefit from their example.

Mamo gave inspiration and encouragement to all who crossed her path, they will ensure that her spirit will live on.

– Yours, etc,

ALICE LEAHY,

Director of Services

Alice Leahy Trust,

Dublin 8.

Link