A chara, - With regard to the demise of the local butcher, Fintan O' Toole's assertion (Opinion, April 3rd) that the "preference of Irish consumers for dealing with people whom they know and trust is being ignored" is, to say the least, open to question. Without any doubt the Irish consumer has made a clear choice. That choice is the supermarket. Whether for convenience or for what is perceived to be a better price, the Irish shopper has made the decision that the supermarket is best.
The contents of the average trolley in the suburban mall make it clear that the friendly face of the local butcher or fishmonger is simply not worth the hassle. Today's family, typically with both parents working long hours and often caught up in traffic morning and evening, places a supreme value on convenience. There is no time for the personal touch. - Yours, etc.,
Ciaran Mac Aonghusa, Baile An tSratha, Tir Chonaill.