Madam, - Going on holiday recently, I passed through Shannon airport. My fellow travellers and I decided we would have a beverage before departing. After passing through the security area we went to the airport bar.
The departure area was full of travellers, of which about half were US military personnel. Some were sampling the pint of plain, others buying trinkets.
As we sat down to enjoy our beverages a member of the US forces arose and bellowed, from the centre of the departure area, "Can I have your attention, please - your attention PLEASE!" He continued: "I have a coupon here that entitles you to a bowl of soup and a sandwich OR a sandwich and a pop". The sheer volume of these announcements got the attention of the whole departure area, and the man was obviously oblivious to any civilians. He continued to bellow: "Form a line and I will pass out the coupons".
Many passengers looked unhappy at finding themselves in the middle of a mess hall. What do visitors to this country think of us giving foreign forces the run of one of our airports? The incident left me feeling embarrassed for Ireland, as if we had sold out. - Yours, etc,
TIM MORIARTY, Tralee, Co Kerry.