Letters: Irish justice system leaves me disgusted again, but I am definitely not shocked

“This is a court of law, young man, not a court of justice,” stated the learned man. Therein lies the rub. Technically, the Limerick courts gave Natasha O’Brien law, but not justice, in my opinion, after hearing of her brutal assault.

The cartoonist Edgar Argo once said: “Justice is blind, but she has sophisticated listening devices.”

I have lost count of the number of times that people, mainly men, from certain strands of Irish life avoided a jail sentence for assault, purely because their status would be harmed.

A judge in Belmullet back in the 1950s used to give young trouble- makers three choices – jail, get the boat to England or join the Army. It seems the last one wouldn’t be an option for him today.

I am disgusted at the Irish legal system for failing women once again. But am I shocked? Not so much.

John Cuffe, Co Meath

Senior Defence Forces officer’s words sound like a reprimand for a child

In relation to the actions of Cathal Crotty, his senior officer Commandant Paul Togher stated in court that he was “exceptionally disappointed and surprised” at Crotty’s behaviour in assaulting Natasha O’Brien on a Limerick street.

Comments such as these are typically used by teachers and parents in reprimanding children for minor misdemeanours.

I note that Comdt Togher did not express shock, horror, outrage or revulsion at the fact this soldier attacked a young woman, beat her unconscious and then bragged about it on social media.

Anne Murtagh, Co Kilkenny

Victims of crime must be told their interests are to be respected above all else

Last week, another female victim of violence received the message from our justice system that the impact of the crime committed against her mattered less than the consequences for the career of the person who committed it.

If the first injury is the violence itself, the second, if no less devastating, is surely being let down by a justice system that in failing to hold the person guilty of the attack properly responsible for his actions refused to fully hear or acknowledge the experience of his victim and the wrong done to her.

If our justice system is to uphold its responsibilities in relation to the protection, rights and dignity of all citizens regardless of creed, colour or gender, then meaningful change must be made by those in power on behalf of victims of abuse and viol­ence who are brave enough to come forward and tell their stories.

We need to ensure that victims can trust that the court system will respect their interests above all else.

Cate Ryan, Milltown, Dublin 6

I will always hold Eamon Ryan in greater esteem than Michael O’Leary

I have to disagree with Robert Sullivan’s comments that future generations will appreciate Michael O’Leary and his cheap flights more than Eamon Ryan’s green legacy (‘Ryan will be remembered for farting cows, O’Leary’s legacy has far more to it’ – Letters, June 24).

It amazes me how we can’t see the damage the majority of us continue to do to the planet.

Mr Sullivan talks about the quality of life O’Leary gives us. Can he really not see that Ryan is the one who is looking to improve the quality of life for us and future generations?

Does he honestly think they will appreciate cheap flights to hot destinations when climate change is causing such devastation?

Every night on the news we see flooding in one part of the world or heatwaves in another.

I may not agree with everything the Greens propose, but I know the bulk of their ideas are for the common good. The UN has said many times recently that we are on the edge of a crisis.

I suspect Mr Sullivan is of a similar vintage as myself, and with our maturity we know, or should know, that O’Leary’s comments are with one goal in mind – to increase the number of passengers on his planes, whereas Ryan is thinking of the common good.

I will always hold Ryan in the highest esteem.

Donough O’Reilly, Kilmacud, Co Dublin

Transport minister can hold his head high for doing State some service

Robert Sullivan, somewhat crudely, ridicules Eamon Ryan over “his wasted years in politics talking about farting cows” (Letters, June 24).

Meanwhile, he extols Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary as “the one who will not be forgotten for his positivity and generous service to the Irish people”.

Obviously, Mr Sullivan prefers his vacuous “lucre heroes” to authentic statesmen who try to aspire to JFK’s challenging words: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

I suspect O’Leary and his no-frills airline are currently licking their lips at the dispute besetting Aer Lingus just on the cusp of the summer holiday season.

Of course, he’ll probably say he’s doing the State some service by facilitating the disappointed public with extra flights. Coupled with his recent delight at the departure of Ryan as Green Party leader, he must feel it’s Christmas come early.

His admirers will scorn any critic­ism. Ryan, however, can hold his head high for doing the state some real service.

Jim Cosgrove, Lismore, Co Waterford

Trump’s performances have never been enhanced as far as I can make out

Donald Trump has said he is willing to undergo a test for performance-enhancing drugs before the upcoming TV debate with Joe Biden.

He can save time as there is absolutely no evidence of enhanced performance, and if he were taking such drugs he should ask for a refund.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne

Surely the United States can offer better choices than what’s on offer?

I understand there will be a “big debate” in the US between two elderly men who want to run the most powerful country in the world. I wonder if this is the best the world’s remaining ‘super-power’ can offer?

R Connelley, Co Galway