RICHARD MORTON,
Madam, - David Connolly (December 18th), who proposed the name "The Spire", is "getting increasingly irritated at your publication of letters" and of the "smart-arsery and cynicism" of the writers who propose "derogatory and negative names" for the edifice. He goes on to say that people say the "money could be spent elsewhere" and he feels we should "improve the physical environment and the quality of life in the city".
While in agreement, I feel he misses the point of the cynicism. It stems from the appalling state of our main street. We do need to repair the shambles that is O'Connell Street and the money for The Spire could be better spent improving it. We could start by having fewer of the burger joints and amusement arcades that dominate the streets.
Why not spend the money pedestrianising the street? Or a removing the thousands of pieces of chewing gum which cover the pavements?
Maybe we should wait until The Spire is installed before passing judgment, but I can't see a large metal pole improving the "quality" of O'Connell Street. - Yours, etc.,
RICHARD MORTON, Oldbridge Way, Lucan, Co Dublin.
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Madam, - Quite a few people object to the money being spent on the new monument in the centre of Dublin. They often mention areas in society where the Government could spend the money instead.
Fair enough. However, I have a few suggestions that might keep everybody happy:
Let's all spend, say, €100 less over Christmas, and give it to a charity or voluntary organisation instead.
Let's cut down on text-messaging for, say, one hour every day; donate money saved to above.
Let's all walk to the shop, church, school or shops for a day; petrol money saved to be sent to above.
Many of your friends and relatives are expecting a present? Call most of them and cancel - give gifts to close family only! See above re savings.
Let's drink less on Christmas Eve; see above.
Renting a house to someone for €1,400 euro a month, when the house initially cost you 50,000 euro? Be a sport. See above.
You see, it is not so hard to find a few bob for those in need. Just examine your own immediate surroundings.
Roll on the Spire - a monument that will remind us of how we can save a few euro and give it to the needy. - Yours, etc.,
GEARÓID Ó CUANACHÁIN, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow.