Arrogance of Zappone is startling

Dear Editor, I would like to thank Mary Kenny for her excellent article of October 20, 2016, ‘Is Katherine Zappone fit for her government job?’

As a grandparent who minds our grandchildren weekly, I so appreciate her sensitivity.

The sheer arrogance of Minister Zappone is startling.

Her refusal to give young mothers the choice of having and spending this money on the best plan applicable to their circumstances, is deeply insulting.

These young mothers, if given this money, could then decide whether to use it to stay at home with their children or use it towards childcare, they would have a choice.

I would respectfully suggest that we grandparents are the ‘gold standard’ in childcare when mothers have to seek paid employment, because we love the children and children need love.

So to address Ms Kenny’s question, I would consider that any Minister for Children who puts their agenda before the welfare of mothers and their children is not fit for the job.

As a grandparent, if given a vote, I would say No.

Yours etc.,

Elizabeth Twomey,

Blackrock, Co. Dublin.