Sir, - After my recent holiday back home, I feel I have to write about the litter problem in Ireland, particularly in Dublin. Having lived in Luxembourg and New York for the past four years or so, it seems I've easily forgotten this aspect of Irish life.
Yes, even New York is significantly cleaner than our capital. Walking from Grafton Street to Jury's Custom House Inn with my American girlfriend, I was ashamed to see the state of the place.
It seems that we just don't take any pride in the appearance of our cities. And it's a dangerous weakness, because nothing disgusts tourists quicker than an untidy environment - and a positively evil-smelling river. I refer to the Liffey around O'Connell Bridge. The stench nearly knocked me over. Try comparing a stroll along the Seine with that. We really do have to set our sights a little higher.
I don't think it should be difficult to address these issues. Ireland an eco-friendly place for holidays? Sorry to disappoint, folks, but that's so far off the mark it's not funny.
I strongly feel that people who spread litter should be harshly dealt with. I'm not familiar with the Litter Act, but hefty on-the-spot fines should be introduced.
And please: clean up the Liffey. It's disgusting. - Yours, etc., Mark Willoughby,
West 85th Street, New York, USA.