Madam, - I write to you as a dedicated reader of the Letters page who is rather tired of the griping about the expense of Irish life. On this subject I must make some points for consideration.
Firstly, eating out is not compulsory. If citizens are unhappy about the price of meals in restaurants, then the only logical counsel to give them is to not eat out. The other day I ate a beautiful meal from Tesco's Italiano range accompanied by a fruity Shiraz. I did not need to go to an overpriced restaurant for delicious cuisine. And as in a French restaurant, my faithful dog could sit at my feet, green with envy.
Secondly, there are still interesting opportunities for bargain-hunters and free-loaders in Ireland. I hear that hospital cafeterias provide excellent, inexpensive meals, and even though it certainly isn't Gordon Ramsay stuff, it is an idea. For those who do not wish to indulge greedy publicans for a night out, there are always wine-tasting evenings being advertised where you can meet new people and sip from the cost-effective cup of Irish life. I might also add that supermarkets still give free tasters to shoppers too. The other day I had a lovely snack gratis, and didn't require lunch!
Finally, and perhaps more seriously, being a South African I can appreciate that, while Ireland may not be the cheapest place in the world, there are many more things Irish people should be thankful for. Having returned from Cape Town recently, where I was reminded of the kind of poverty in certain townships which is unimaginable to many Irish citizens, I find moaning about the prices of eating out (a luxury and privilege whether in Timbuktu or Tullamore) wincingly ignorant. - Yours, etc.,
SEAN ALEXANDER SMITH, Aiken's Village, Sandyford, Dublin 18.