Letters to the editor: Righting a wrong done to troops who were dismissed despite giving their lives

It was a reference to the dismissal for desertion in 1945 of former members of the Irish Defence Forces. Some of these so-called deserters had participated in the D-Day landings and lost their lives.

However, history will record that this generation of politicians had the courage to resolve this issue.

Blacklisted Irish Defence Forces personnel who went AWOL to join UK or allied forces in World War II were exonerated by the Defence For­ces (Second World War Amnesty and Immunity) Act in 2013.

It is also appropriate to mention that the support of loyalist and unionist communities in Northern Ireland was an essential contribution to our campaign for the amnesty.

Peter Mulvany, Irish Soldiers’ Pardons Campaign

Ceremonies a reminder of Ireland’s unwillingness to honour battlefield heroes

I watched the poignant ceremonies from Normandy yesterday. They were, of course, honouring those who died for our freedom, and the freedom of mankind, on the beaches and fields of France 80 years ago.

I wiped away a tear for their bravery and, indeed, for the bravery of the civilians who died in that brutal war.

I marvel at the heroism of these veterans and the hundreds of thousands who died for our freedom throughout the years of slaughter in Europe while we sat on the fence.

I salute the British, French, Americans and the many allies who sacrificed their lives for our freedom in Ireland.

Many Irish fought and died in that war, and were rightly honoured by their adopted countries.

The tear I shed was also one of anger that we in Ireland – with a history of 1,000 years of occupation – belittle those who wear the uniform of our country and the blue of the United Nations in far-flung fields.

We have a serious problem in this country, not just because we underpay and undervalue the wonderful men and women who have served this country in the Defence Forces, but also in how we treated the Jadotville heroes of 1961, who went to their graves betrayed and without recognition of their heroism.

Ray Cawley (Commandant, Retd), Douglas, Cork

Rural Ireland the big loser from many failures of new garda operating model

The new garda operating model was presented to the public in 2021. It continues to be used by garda hierarchy today, despite being a spectacular failure.

Not one of the key components mooted by commissioner Drew Harris, or by the Government and its ministers, has been realised.

The model saw the amalgamation, or attempted amalgamation, of divisions in the State and the outsourcing of calls to central call centres. This meant the public would not get the quick responses needed.

Closing down rural stations and deploying gardaí from small stations to large central stations was, it seems, the way forward. However, this left vast rural areas exposed due to the absence of any visible policing.

Like all things bureaucratic or administrative, this model has become a talking shop for those in gilded cages who are far removed from frontline policing.

Christy Galligan (Gda Sgt, Retd), Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Silence far-right agitators by getting out of the house and casting your two votes

Today we have a chance to vote for the people we want to represent us in the local and European elections.

The topic of immigration has come more into focus in recent years.

People have objected to asylum-seekers being housed in their neighbourhoods. They perceive them to be receiving preferential treatment during a homeless crisis.

However, the two issues are separate. Far-right agitators seize on people’s fears and worries and seek to create division in society. I urge people to not vote for these parties.

In these elections, we have a chance to send out a strong message to our neighbours at home and in Europe. It is our chance to show that Ireland is a welcoming country to people seeking international protection.

We need a properly functioning immigration system that is fair to everyone. This can be achieved.

Voting for candidates who are clearly anti-immigration solves nothing. Ireland has international obligations, and we can only solve the immigration issue in co-operation with our European neighbours, as well as with Britain.

To people who are apathetic about politics, remember the number of people putting their names forward.

These people, through their canvassing over the last few months, feel they can make a difference. The least we can do is go to our polling station and exercise our democratic right.

Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway

John O’Shea’s interim stint has been a success, now give him the job for keeps

It’s time the powers-that-be stop dithering and appoint John O’Shea as Ireland manager.

His interim stint has been successful, so now is the time to take action and bring the wait-and-see period to a close.

Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth

Tearful memories of cup final aftermath remain just as sharp 66 years later

Sinead Ryan’s article about the little boy who temporarily lost his mum reminded me of the 1958 FAI Cup final (‘Lost little boy took me back to the time I misplaced my son’, Irish Independent, June 5).

The game was in Dalymount Park in Dublin. Our family home was in Bray. Reluctantly, my parents allowed me to travel on the bus in from Bray in the care of an older friend who was sensible and aged about 15.

Records show 27,000 were in attendance that day. As we emerged from the stadium at full-time, I became separated from my friend.

To this day, I can point to the spot where I tearfully approached a garda. He kindly arranged for an adult couple to take me in their car and put me on the number 45 bus to Bray.

My parents were anxiously waiting for me as I stepped off the bus.

Dundalk beat Shamrock Rovers 1-0 that day, and it started my love affair with Dundalk that endures to this day. For various reasons, that’s one game for ever etched in my memory.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9