It is time to proclaim the United Nations veto for what it is

One thing that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made clear is that the UN is not fit for purpose.

The idea that the supposed victors of World War II – the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China – should have permanent seats on the Security Council is questionable. However, that each of them should have a veto is outrageous. Consider this with regard to Wladimir Putin‘s behavior.

It’s time for the other 188 members to issue an ultimatum. They should demand that this arrangement be ended, otherwise they will leave the UN and set up a similar organization with a name like Association of Nations.

Brendan Casserly, Bishopstown, Cork

Offering Putin a way out might be the best possible solution

Referring to Wednesday’s editorial (“Mind Must Focus on Bringing Putin to Reason,” Irish Independent, April 20), I think the ship has sailed. It will not bring Vladimir Putin to his senses.

Your editorial rightly says that our hearts and minds must be focused on the plight of people trapped in Ukraine.

Unfortunately, Putin’s heart is in more danger than his mind.

The Russian President will not stop until he achieves his minimum goal of taking Ukraine’s eastern Donbass region with extreme force.

We should be careful not to corner a rat, otherwise it will have no other way out but us. Perhaps one should focus on a way out for Putin, even if it amounts to a deal with the devil.

Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18

The mental health debate is being stifled by our unwillingness to talk

The book by Professor Brendan Kelly, In search of madnesswas checked last Saturday Irish Independent (“A Deep Dive into the History of Mental Illness,” April 16).

According to the article, Prof. Kelly dismisses what he calls “broccoli, jogging, and mindfulness” as a panacea for anxiety and depression.

Despite a greater openness by many people in discussing mental health issues, attempts have been made to clean up the issue in general. In other words, make it more palatable to the average person.

In two weeks, thousands of people will take part in the annual Darkness into Light Walk in aid of the suicide prevention charity Pieta House.

In fact, recently thousands have “climbed with Charlie,” the popular fundraiser partly in aid of Pieta House.

How many of these people would know how to react if a close relative or friend disclosed their serious mental illness to them? I suspect not many. People are afraid of what they don’t understand.

The subheading of last Saturday’s book review reads, “Brendan Kelly reflects on how our understanding of the brain is still shaky and flawed.”

This is someone who has dedicated their life to better understanding the brain.

It’s about time people stopped cleaning up the mental health debate. This can only be further advanced through openness in dealing with serious mental illnesses.

Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, County Galway

Teachers aren’t the only ones struggling to afford homes

I read about teachers and the problems they have in affording a home.

I would like to ask what makes you different from other apartment seekers. It’s true that houses aren’t easy to come by, but everyone has to make sacrifices.

What about other workers who don’t have a teacher’s salary? How do you get a roof over your head?

And don’t think for a moment that your money problems will end once you have a house.

Heating and electricity are extremely expensive, while the cost of living in general has risen sharply.

My best advice is to keep saving, be it a little or a lot. Ideally, everyone – regardless of their profession – would have a roof over their heads. Let’s hope prices don’t go up any further.

Colette Collins, Co. Wicklow

Treat yourself to a beautiful car and hit the road

When you’re in your mid-70s and fit, driving a nice car is a wonderful upgrade to never feeling old age creeping up.

Feel the youthful vigor as you drive along as if it were always the best time of your life – and stay optimistic.

Robert Sullivan, Bantry, Co. Cork