Sir, - It is wonderful to see Ireland today - the vibrant economy, the always friendly people and the fabulous countryside. As an Irish transplant in the States I always enjoy coming home to see friends and visit relatives - that' is until I try to go out to dinner in Dublin with my family.
You see, Dublin has become a trendy, European city, it has developed a descrimatory attitude against parents and children alike. On Friday July 13th our family was refused entry into eight well-known restaurants between 7.45 and 8.30 p.m. simply because we had children aged two to six with us. Presumably children are a distraction to other paying customers and should be at home in bed at this hour.
In other world destinations you can see children in all types of restaurants with their parents. Wake up, Dublin restaurateurs. Get out of the vaccum you are in. The only people who think you are special are you yourselves. - Yours, etc.,
Roger McNamara, Palm Beach, Florida, USA.