Sir, - While the nation congratulates Brian on his recent Big Brother victory, perhaps we should question the way in which the UK media is increasingly defining the Irish as a nation of jesters, existing solely for the amusement of our cousins across the water.
British television shows now seem duty bound to include a comedy Irishman. Last year Castaway 2000 introduced viewers to "Padraig", whose shock of red hair and tin-whistle-playing antics would make even a Punch cartoonist blush. Graham Norton gives the impression that three wishes await any man who can get his hands on him. The delectable Anna, from the first series of Big Brother, is the exception that proves the rule.
If we wish to put a stop to stereotypical images of Ireland and the Irish in foreign media, perhaps we should make a start by refusing to play along? - Yours, etc.,
Tom Farrell, Norseman Place, Dublin 7.