Your editorial rightly observes that force never extinguishes an ideology, only energises it (‘Violence has no place in politics, no matter what side you are on’, Irish Independent, September 12).
Charlie Kirk’s assassination proves the point. Already, both left and right are racing to blame each other, while social media ensures every outrage becomes fuel for the next.
The greater danger is not a conventional civil war, but a long drift into “assassination culture” – sporadic terrorism, targeted killings and online mobs cheering from the sidelines.
Unless discourse is reclaimed from anonymous extremists and restored to accountable leaders, the US risks replaying its own version of the Troubles in slow motion.
Violence legitimised soon becomes the only language left.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh
The invitation to Donald Trump for the 2026 Irish Golf Open by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Enterprise Minister Peter Burke on behalf of the Irish people makes me ashamed of this country.
Trump is a convicted felon. He is also aiding and abetting Benjamin Netanyahu in the starvation and mass killings of the Palestinian people.
By doing nothing, he is supporting Russian president Vladimir Putin in his war on Ukraine.
I fear he is eroding American democracy the same way Germany did in the 1930s, posting troops on the streets and censoring the media and universities.
Why not further extend the hand of friendship to all of Trump’s pals – Putin, Viktor Orban and Kim Jong un? Trump claims they are all “good guys”.
Brian Walsh, Kimmage, Dublin 12
I am writing to express my profound disappointment at the announcement of the venue for next year’s Irish Open golf championship.
I am a long-standing supporter of this event. This would have been my fourth year attending, and with each passing year I have upgraded my tickets.
Only yesterday, I was on the verge of buying the full hospitality package, and I am now immensely relieved I did not.
To say I am horrified by the decision to host the tournament at a Trump-owned golf course would be an understatement.
In the current global climate, and in light of developments in the US, the decision to align the Irish Open with a venue owned by this individual is indefensible.
It is beyond comprehension that this choice was even considered.
Let me be clear: I will not be attending, nor will I be watching the tournament on television.
What was once a highlight of my year has now been tainted.
Anthea Atkinson, Meenaleck, Co Donegal
Important questions should be put to all Irish presidential candidates by the media. Here are a couple:
Would she/he as Uachtarán na hÉireann invite Donald Trump to the Áras if he decides to attend the Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg hotel next year?
And would she/he, if elected as president, attend any events where Trump would be present.
I am sure very many Irish voters would like to know the candidates’ answers to these questions .
Brendan Butler, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Billy Ryle wants to do away with the Irish presidency (‘Scrap the pompous office of president and feed the hungry with money saved’, Letters, September 12) and replace it with what?
Every state needs a head, and poverty exists in every country. In Ireland (unlike Britain), you’re lucky to be able to have the opportunity to elect your president and not suffer a hereditary monarch.
Perhaps the offices of taoiseach and president could merge so Ireland’s ruling party leader serves as head of state and of government.
This could cut out a lot of waste that Mr Ryle makes a point of. However, the title President of Ireland or Irish President has a nice ring about it. Long may it continue.
Dominic Shelmerdine, London
According to the latest report from ESRI, 225,000 children are living in poverty (‘Childhood poverty at similar level seen during the recession’, Irish Independent, September 9).
This represents the equivalent of 168,000 families living in poverty.
The Irish Independent previously reported that 16,058 adults and 5,014 children were homeless and living in emergency accommodation.
Ireland ranks 16th out of 27 countries in the EU in terms of after-housing-costs poverty rate for children as we tout our position as one of the richest countries in the world.
Poverty negatively affects the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development of children.
Poverty leads to poor physical and mental health, lack of education, reduced life satisfaction, increased crime, social unrest and greater strain on public services.
Poverty undermines social cohesion, hinders economic growth and can contribute to political instability. People in poverty are shamed and blamed for their impoverishment while the blame lies in successive government policies that fail to focus on citizens, favouring business and lobbyists and vociferous minorities.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) reduces poverty, decreases inequality, improves public health and living standards and creates an equitable and cohesive society.
There is an urgent need to implement UBI in Budget 2026.
Hugh McDermott, Dromahair, Co Leitrim
Great to read in Thursday’s Irish Independent that the corncrake has increased in numbers in Ireland this year (‘Delight as corncrakes inch back from the brink of extinction’).
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