MARK URWIN,
Sir, - Martin Gascoine (April 2nd) describes "sanctioned racism" in Ireland against English people. His letter is given prominence on the Letters page and yet contains not one concrete example to support his point of view.
Mr Gascoine says he has lived in Dublin for 10 years, yet the best example he can suggest is to ask us to "imagine" being an Englishman in an Irish bar watching the English soccer team in action. The Irish will always cheer the other team, he claims. He also states that the media back up this anti-English behaviour, while again offering no evidence.
I am also an Englishman who has lived in Ireland for the past 15 years and I have often been irritated at the pro-British stance of some elements of the Irish media, especially when it comes to the conflict in the North. These elements bend over backwards so as not to offend British sensibilities. This fawning attitude is particularly obvious in relation to the British royal family - e.g. the continual promotion of an official visit to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth.
As for soccer matches, yes, I agree that most Irish people will cheer any team playing against England - a legacy of colonialism. During Italia '90 I watched Ireland play England in a packed Irish pub. There was no "venom" directed at me, only good-humoured "slagging".
During my time living in Ireland I have heard much criticism of British government policy towards Ireland, but no personal abuse has ever been directed at me. I believe Mr Gascoine is inventing a problem where none exists. - Yours, etc.,
MARK URWIN,
Court Farm,
Mulhuddart,
Dublin 15.