Madam, - It was wonderful to read such cutting-edge investigative journalism from Manchán Magan ("Where are all the Irish speakers?", Features, January 5th) Following the incredible revelation that some people in the service industry in Dublin are rude he then uncovers one of this island's darkest secrets - that hardly anyone can speak Irish.
I'm certain that Manchán, well travelled polyglot that he is, would not be so obnoxious as to insist on a shopkeeper in France dealing in a language he does not understand. In fact, like the Dublin barman in his article, most French people will insist on all foreigners at least attempting to speak to them in the local language - and rightly so.
The Irish language debate, such as it is, does not need these patronising suggestions that it is our civic duty to speak Irish. - Yours, etc,
ANDREW DUGGAN, Hansted Way, Lucan, Co Dublin