Madam, - Having read Dermot O'Reilly's views (July 21st) that Dublin, in particular, has become a "violent, nasty and dirty place", I feel compelled to respond and to endorse his comments wholeheartedly.
Having lived in London for several years myself and having returned home to Ireland three years ago, I have watched with sadness as this city has deteriorated rapidly.
I no longer feel safe to go out in the city at the weekend because of the often menacing atmosphere that is sadly so prevalent, predominantly due to the abuse of alcohol.
Even sadder is the realisation that if I choose to have a family, I know that I will not be rearing them as Irish citizens but instead will choose to live elsewhere on the Continent where the traditions of community and the importance of the family unit are still intact and where the scourge of alcohol does not permeate that society.
I do not want my children growing up in our drinking culture. Indeed the vandalism of the Cow Parade exhibition is merely a symbolic indication of much deeper issues that need to be addressed now. - Yours, etc.,
AISLING HICKEY,
Sussex Road,
Dublin 4.