Sir, - When John Ardagh says in his review of John Waters's recent book, "but surely Ireland is one of those European countries which . . .," I think he touches on the central point of Mr Waters's thesis.
I don't always agree with John Waters. However, I do understand what he attempts to show whenever possible. John Ardagh is amazed by a lack of "comparisons with other countries". Contrary to his belief, I think that too much comparison with other countries has caused incalculable harm to Ireland in many respects, particularly our environment and inhabitants, both human and animal.
Ireland can never be simply "one of those European countries". Ireland is complete and special in itself. Despite the ravages of an artificial partition there is a wholeness on this island. We have a spiritual intensity and awareness second to none. Irish people are filled with real talent and creativity - often stifled and ignored. Some Irish people are mainly interested in money. Others have a deeper sense of what it means to belong here, to be part of something very strong and wonderful. It is they who are deeply saddened by a perceived "modern" Ireland.
Ironically, the very political party and personalities lauded by John Waters are among the main perpetrators of the devastation of this island's soul by questionable economic strategies. "Get the economy right and all else will follow." How often have we heard that in various forms and from whom? "We have to make sacrifices," is another favourite phrase often used by Dermot Ahern, now manager of the Department of the Sacrificed.
"Modern" Ireland does not want to see, to hear about or to speak about the reality of the dispossessed; therefore that reality does not exist. But it does exist and it is a very powerful force. The increasing number of nonvoters is the strongest indication, not of apathy, but of the rumbling, groaning, deepening force that has been ignored for too long. The real "Celtic Tiger" has yet to be seen. - Yours, etc.,
York Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.