Letters: Social and affordable housing is the only way forward for Ireland

Irish Independent

14 hours ago

All such initiatives to date have contained significant benefits for developers, landlords and landowners, and all have failed to make even a dent in the crisis.
The excessive faith in financial incentives is a serious mistake, usually made by diehard, free-market ideologues, and we can see the long shadow of their handiwork in our failures in the provision of all social goods.
When asked to explain this latest initiative, the minister's reply was the usual 'supply is the problem'. The solution is to offer even more incentives to private entities operating in the sector.
But surely under-supply is a symptom of the real problem: government policy that outsources the provision of all housing to the market.
The expectation that the 'market' would partner with the Government to help close the yawning gap between supply and demand is, at best, delusional. First-year students of economics know that the market thrives when demand outstrips supply.
It is beyond naive to believe that those who are gaining significantly from the current imbalance would contribute in any meaningful way to changing things.
So long as the Governments insists on treating the symptom, the problem will not only persist but worsen. The real solution is for the Government to focus all its resources on the provision of social and affordable housing.
Jim O'Sullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo
US is now sliding towards a dictatorship, but not enough is said about it
As I viewed the video footage of US Democratic senator Alex Padilla being forced to the ground and handcuffed by security guards at a news conference, I was appalled.
It happened after the senator tried to ask US homeland secretary Kristi Noem about the Trump administration policy in targeting immigrants.
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California governor Gavin Newsom is correct in describing the incident as 'outrageous, dictatorial and shameful'.
This is scary stuff. It's beyond the pale that a sitting US senator should be treated in such an abominable fashion.
I am aware this was a news conference, but in this instance I believe the senator had every right to call for an end to the violence on the streets of Los Angeles.
The reality here is that if people around the world decide to stay silent, the US won't survive.
It appears to me America is on the edge of dictatorship. This is why powerful voices across institutions, from politics to academia and religion, must speak out.
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Compassion is not a sign of weakness, and Geldof was right to call out Musk
I found myself unexpectedly cheering Bob Geldof's tirade against Elon Musk and others who seem to regard empathy as some sort of evolutionary glitch ('Geldof brands Musk a sociopathic loser in tirade against UK and American leaders' – June 13).
It's a relief to see someone remind our leaders – at full volume – that compassion isn't weakness. When he calls Musk a 'ketamine-crazed fool' from a London stage and still raises nearly a million pounds for the world's poorest people, it's hard not to clap along.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh
'Soccer-style' shootouts in hurling miss the point of the real beautiful game
The Munster Hurling Championship has always been a gem in the sporting calendar. I have attended ­finals going back to the early 1970s.
I fully understand that in the event of a draw it is unfair to ask amateurs with club commitments to group together for a replay. But hurling has many alternatives to a penalty shootout. Frankly, a coin toss would be better. The penalty system emanates from soccer, and hurling in no way replicates the scoring system.
There are other options, such as sudden death, as we see in hockey. Or we could have a diverse system that would replicate true hurling skills.
We could have a one-point penalty, followed by one-point frees from various angles and distances – including sideline cuts. The shootout could keep going from greater distances. It would offer the greatest range of skills.
Gerard Walsh, Ontario, Canada
Iran needs regime change, but Israeli bombs are not the way to bring this about
Once again Benjamin Netanyahu has shown he will do what he wants, whenever he wants, regardless of consequences.
Having lived and worked in Iran, I fully agree that a change of government is needed in the interests of the Iranian people. There are ways to achieve this, but not by Israel bombing the country.
However, seemingly having a 'free hand' to deal with the Palestine issue, Netanyahu clearly feels he can turn his attention elsewhere in pursuit of his 'objectives' while the free world continues to stand by.
Michael Moriarty, Rochestown, Co Cork
I'll keep this one short, as I have height of respect for relationships and tall tales
Reading Tanya Sweeney's article about women who insist on dating tall men (June 12) reminded me of the woman who ended her relationship with a much taller man who had cheated on her.
On reflection, she consoled herself with the belief that it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved a tall.
Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9
We should all cherish our amazing seas, while at the same time keeping safe
Kathy Donaghy's article ('My brush with death shows importance of staying safe when taking to the water', June 7) reminded me of how macho and brave I thought I was as I enjoyed swimming in the sea my younger days.
I congratulate Kathy on her excellent piece. It has taken me many years to learn that while we should relish 'the fantastic benefits and joy of the water', as she puts it, the sea must be given the respect it deserves, no matter how beautiful it is.
The importance of staying safe when taking to the water can never be overstated.