Food security should be at the heart of UN reporting

The devastating damage caused by explosive weapons, especially when used in crowded places, is on our TV screens every night.

he current conflict in Ukraine is just the latest example of the use of grenades, rockets, mortars, improvised explosive devices and similar explosive weapons.

Since late 2019, Ireland’s diplomats in Geneva have been leading a global process to reduce the humanitarian impact of explosive weapons in populated areas.

Ireland is expected to finalize the text in the coming weeks and is hoping for the support of UN member states.

Food security is often adversely affected when explosive weapons are used.

Reducing the impact of conflict on food systems is a top priority for Concern Worldwide, which is why, as part of our ongoing Nothing Kills Like Hunger campaign, we have asked Ireland to ensure the statement highlights this critical issue. As we near the end of this process, Ireland must maintain its ambition and make a strong statement which, if implemented, will protect people from the worst effects of war.

Gisela Schmidt-Martin

Advocacy Adviser, Concern Worldwide, Dublin

A boring drama that seems to be going nowhere fast

The headline of Pat Stacey’s article about Sally Rooney’s new series conversations with friends (Irish Independent16 May), the first two episodes of which will air tonight in prime time on RTÉ, sums it up perfectly: “The Slavic format is moving from normal people for abnormally boring people.”

I’ve seen three episodes on BBC Three and agree with him. I told a friend that there was an 80 percent chance that I wouldn’t watch this extremely boring drama again.

She asked me what the 20 pieces were that could keep me watching. I told her I would keep watching as a plot develops. After a quarter of the series I’m not very hopeful that this will happen

Tommy Roddy

Ballbane, Galway

Why banks should plan more time for new customers

I need to open a new bank account as my Ulster Bank branch is closing.

After visiting my potential new local bank in Wicklow I was offered an appointment in July to discuss the matter.

Why don’t banks set aside a Saturday, even half a day, for the next few weeks to make it easier for customers like me to open an account?

ColetteCollins

Friars Hill, County Wicklow

Will the Brits sacrifice the Good Friday Agreement next?

If and when the DUP gets Boris Johnson’s finger on the Northern Ireland Protocol fired, will the Good Friday Agreement be next?

It would also be useful to know if Dublin could then reconsider Articles 2 and 3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann? We in the South gave them up as part of that deal. One more question: is our government playing gambles in Anglo-Irish relations if their four aces are taken out of play?

Gosh, what would Michael Collins think if the two today’s leaders met at the next Béal na Bláth commemoration?

John Cuff

Dunboyne, Co Meath

Britain will shoot itself in the foot by tearing up the protocol

If, or more likely if, Westminster introduces its legislation to destroy the Northern Ireland Protocol, it will only serve to show the world the UK’s utter ineptitude, the full extent of its stupidity in voting to leave the EU to fully understand.

This action will of course underscore London’s view of Northern Ireland and therefore of us. Luckily they are not in the euro zone, otherwise we would suffer even more.

David Ryan

Co Meath

Brexit will result in a united Ireland and a new England

I enjoyed reading David Ryan’s letter (“London is desperate for a way out to save Brexit”, Irish Independent,
letters, 17th of May). However, I voted for Brexit and am pleased with the result.

However, I would not object to a second binding referendum to settle the matter one way or the other.

In the highly unlikely event that this happens, all parties should go ahead and deal with the outcome.

I believe that in the not too distant future, Brexit will eventually lead to Scottish independence and Irish reunification.

An independent England (possibly with Wales) ruled by an unelected King Charles or King William must decide whether to opt for a republic, which I would vote for.

Dominic Shelmerdine

London