LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Euro damsel in distress Dear Editor, In this paper's issue of November 17, I outlined the economic fault line between Northern and Southern Europe and the Neuro/Seuro scenario of a two-tier currency. To say that this divide has become increasingly stark since, is an understatement. A two-tier currency implies an orderly decoupling, something which now looks politically impossible, and currency breakup is more likely now to be on a â€Ëœman overboard' basis.[private] If this is plan A, it's not planned! Plan B is a United States of Europe. It's either a lot less Europe or a lot more. The middle ground has been eroded over time where we find that political and economic priorities could not be matched. The motorway pile-up of default in Plan A across Southern Europe has an unknown end product. Will Chinese dollar reserves be sucked into bankrupt countries in an expansion of a powerful African presence? Will the immigration barrier to the North move from the Med to the Alps and the Pyrenees? How will extremist politics progress in the South? How fast would Euro-sceptic sterling distance itself? Would Nordic countries go it alone, as they can afford to do? Has Russia political ambitions for extended influence in a fractious Europe? Would Ireland return to its cultural home in the Anglo-American sphere? Would the Franco-German axis break, thus renewing old animosities? The choice is with Germany but Plan B may not be too attractive to them either, as their own unification history shows. In October 1990, East Germany ceased to exist. The absorption, especially the decision to exchange the East German mark at an equivalent to the deutschmark (Greek Euro-German Euro) put a long-term strain on German economic progress. The previously buoyant West Germany entered a period of sluggish growth leading to low EU interest rates designed to help Germany. Our access and that of other countries to these rates of borrowing led eventually to over-expansion of our already gradually growing economies. Our delusions of wealth began here. Up to the present, €1.3 Trillion has transferred from West to East Germany and this figure continues to rise but unemployment in the former GDR remains double that of West Germany after 20 years and output per capita below 70 per cent of West German levels. Monetary Union within Germany has proved a long term problem despite total fiscal and political union, due to structural deficiencies. Latin Europe has similar structural problems now. Germany can now ask if they are taking on a further 50 year-burden of wealth transfer to inept economies. Let's hope the Teutonic cavalry arrive to rescue its Euro damsel in distress, if only because, she's the least ugly option! Yours truly, Brendan Raftery Clondoyle Glenamaddy Co Galway Railway Lines â€â€ A Cyclist's View Dear Editor, As an everyday cyclist, I wish to express my views on an article re cycleways in The Connacht Tribune of June 15 and a similar one-sided one in the Farming Independent June 5. Obviously I like cycling (I drive a car and use the train also) and agree that we should have more cycleways where possible, but not at the expense of the development of our rail network, as is heavily suggested in both articles. There is particular reference to the Athenry to Collooney and Athlone to Mullingar railway lines. The writers must not have read the most recent, high-powered AECOM report on railways and the recommendation that the Athenry to Tuam section of the first-mentioned line should be re-opened for business as soon as possible (indeed this should have been done before the Athenry to Ennis line). Having only one level crossing, it would be a cost-effective operation that would remove a huge amount of Tuam and North Galway traffic off the N17 and the notorious traffic bottleneck at Claregalway. It is inevitable that the short distance from Tuam to Claremorris will follow, opening up passenger and commercial traffic from Mayo to the South of Ireland. The remaining section from Claremorris to Collooney will take longer because of our present financial circumstances but when reopened, it will link Donegal, Sligo, East Mayo and West Roscommon to the cities and ports of Munster for exporters and importers. These temporarily closed railway links are a national resource for all the people, not just cyclists (like me), which will, with good timetabling, facilitate the commercial and social needs of future generations. Those politicians who oppose the destruction of these railway lines are far-seeing, responsible and intelligent public representatives. Future generations will need this resource more than we do â€â€ with little or no oil available and just bicycles and short-range electric cars for transport, they will appreciate our wise decisions. Any politician who proposes doing the direct opposite for some short-term advantage, should take a serious look at his attitude towards the future of our country and its children. While I thoroughly agree with the opening of cycle routes along the hard shoulders of all downgraded roads such as the N4, the further destruction of our rail infrastructure would be an act of irresponsibility in our supposedly enlightened era and at a time when authorities all over the world are promoting railways, for obvious reasons. Is it any wonder our brightest young people are emigrating in their thousands â€â€ they see little leadership or vision for the future at home. By the way Paul and Declan, did you ask the MRAG or the people of Tuam what they think of your suggesions â€â€ trying to shatter their hopes and dreams? Did either of you ever try cycling on a five to six foot wide path, 20 feet above ground? I would ask, do any of you cycle on a regular basis or indeed at all? It certainly can be very enjoyable and rewarding. Try it out some time. Paul, as a recently elected politician, I would advise that you listen to those who elected you â€â€ remember the FG-organised meeting in Glinsk last winter! Is mise (ar an traen, in disbelief) Bill Cunningham Cloonbrackna Avenue Roscommon Irish in Zambia Dear Editor, The Wild Geese Society of Lusaka aims to bring together the Irish community in Zambia. The society was established in 1963 and has been active in Zambia ever since. The Society's main objectives are the promotion of Irish culture and heritage in Zambia and providing a platform for the Irish in Zambia to meet. Next year the society will celebrate 50 years and one of the activities to mark this milestone is to put together a collection of photos celebrating the last 50 years of the Irish in Zambia. To help us celebrate our 50th year we are sending a call to past and present members of the Wild Geese Society for photos of their time in Zambia. Please send any photos you may have to Wildgeesesociety@gmail.com or post a copy to Maurice Sadlier, Clune, Clonoulty, Cashel, Co Tipperary. Kind regards, Maurice Sadlier Chairman of The Wild Geese Society Lusaka Zambia [/private]