Sir, - While travelling through Dublin Airport the other day, I stopped in the baggage area to ask directions from one of the airport gardai. We spoke of his recent trip to New Hampshire and his love of America - in his words, "a beautiful and very wealthy country". We spoke of gun registration/ownership policies in our two countries and his bewilderment as to why Americans own so many guns. Almost nine years ago to the day, I had passed the same spot under the close scrutiny of two officers who were both heavily armed with automatic weapons. Funny how things change.
It is obvious to all that the Ireland I left nine years ago is not the Ireland of today. To me, today's country was almost unrecognisable. True, the lilt and laughter and wonderful hospitality of the Irish rang throughout our journey; the Guinness flowed as before. However, the new construction of roads, homes, bridges and tourist facilities, the sight of so much economic activity was truly breathtaking. This "new Ireland", a.k.a. the "Celtic Tiger", has been long in the making and is truly a wonder to behold.
With progress comes challenge, opportunity and, yes, hardship for many as prosperity unveils a host of unintended social consequences. Here in the US, where the cultural foundation underpinning our own economic miracle is rapidly eroding for all the world to see, we know this fact quite well. Indeed, the piper shall be paid.
Sitting at a small kitchen table in a humble dwelling outside Virginia, Co Cavan, where my grandfather was born, this topic was discussed at great length. Celtic Tiger: blessing or curse to the Irish people? Both, I suggest. I also believe that the profound and historic Irish faith and spirituality, chief among other noble cultural characteristics, will stand the Republic in good stead during the months and years ahead.
The police officer I spoke with mentioned a global lottery for 55,000 US visas. He intends to enter, I think, because he believes that "the US would be a nice place to live." I said to him: "That's funny. I was thinking the same thing about Ireland." Funny how things change. Funny how the grass always seems greener on the other side.
Good luck. God bless. - Yours, etc., Kevin F. Tully,
Chesterfield, Missouri, USA.