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Galway Advertiser 1971/1971_05_27/GA_27051971_E1_002.pdf
I l l l T E R M Law and Order' is one of the most abused phrases today. It is often used by unworthy regimes to justify oppression. For the Nationalist minority in the North of Ireland for example, phrases like law and Order' and 'Respect for the Law' have their own dreaded meaning. But Law and Order and a respect for the due processes of lavs arc fundamental to an organised and civilised society. Here in the South, the vast majority of citizens have a keen healthy respect for the law. Relations with the Gardai are, on the whole, good. It would be sad indeed if the position were to change, particularly here in Galway. And there have been some disturbing trends. Some time ago there vv.ts an explosion on a boat in Rosavcal. T e a c h Furbo was next. Since then the position has esculatcd. There have been bombings in Oughterard, threats connected with land agitation in the east of the county, culminating with die dcsiruction of Ros M u c Garda station recently. T h e real tragedy of these events in the long term is not the actual destruction done, which so far has been confined to property. Nor is it the extra levy some (if these events, at least, will place on rates and tax-payers. T h e really sad thing is that they appear to be indicative of a trend towards violence, which the v a s l major! l deplore, and seem to suggest on the face of it, that the Gardai, the properly established protectors of the public, arc unable to cope with the developing situation. T h e Gardai have a reputation for eminent good s e n s e by turning a blind eye to what arc technically described a s crimes in this area, as those who play the honest cat-and-mouse game of poitin-making arc well aware. 1 he question which must now be asked if the s.tiiK blind eve in such matters as 'fish-ins,' illegal broadcasting, even the occupation of buildings as a protest technique, has not encouraged people to resort to more serious law-breaking? We have ever) sympathy for the Gardai, Their numbers h a v e been cut or are about to be, particu larly in the rural areas. Many individual Gardai are therefore working under stress. In view of the disturbing trend, and the Ros Muc incident in particular, we feel it may be necessary to look at the Gardai re-organisation proposals again. T h e Garda force is very thin on the ground in rural areas, if there is a serious incident. And while it is true that extra forces can be brought in quickly in this age of the motor-car, such action is usually too late. Moreover one Garda stationed in the area is worth several on squad-car duty. Recentl) the Minister for Justice, Mr. O'Mallcy, reversed the decision to cut Gardai numbers in his own Limerick area. We feel he should do the same in Galway and thai our public representatives should approach him now.
A FRIENDLY WELCOME Friendships were made and ideas exchanged when members of the Women's Institute of Northern Ire land met the Galway Town Association of the I.C.A. during their May meeting. Our picture shows Mrs. Sheila O'Donnellan (center right), President Galway T.A., presenting gifts to Mrs. Sally Cuthberton, W. I. Northern Ireland. Our Northern visitors spent their time in Galway tour ing the city and Conne-, mara.
ENJOYING SPARE CASH The Rehabilitation Cen tre, Corrib Castle, is a hive of industry every day of the week. A new class that has recently started, and proving very popular, ic upholstery. Our picture shows in structor Vincent Kyne (left) watching over Mich ael O'Brien, Shantalla, as he works on a chair. The class are producing a high standard of work and at present are carrying out renovations for hotels and two offices in the city. If you know someone who is disabled yet willing to wo rk, contact the centre for further information. There is some money to be ear ned as well.
CITY GIRL ! Meet Esther Brady, from Loyola Park, who works in the G.T.M. Supermarket. But attractive eighteen years old Esther has a job with a difference. Esther has been the main City Girl Fashion Model now, for over a year and loves every minute of it. Altho ugh she has no training, Esther finds no trouble in pleasing the photographer's eye!
GAELTARRA FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Seosamh Mac an Pharsuin, Moyola Park, Newcastle, has been appointed Gael tarra Financial Controller. A Dubliner, he was educa ted at St. Joseph's C.B.S., Fairview and was appoin ted a member of the Insti tute of Cost and Works Accountants in 1963. Mr. Mac an Pharsuin joined Gaeltarra in February 1968. He is married for 10 years and has five children.
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