Sir - I read with great interest (and indeed heartfelt relief) of the establishment this year of the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) organisation (September 3rd). When walking along the streets of our soi disant cosmopoltitan capital city, my sense of rage and disgust at the extent of the litter problem defies description. This rage turns to shame of an even greater proportion when strolling along these same streets in the company of foreign friends and visitors, many of whom I have probably enticed here by extolling the virtues of Ireland during my time spent abroad.
It is difficult to reconcile the perception abroad of the Irish as a confident, progressive people with the reality of the filth on our streets. Foreigners may well wonder if we apply similar shoddy standards to our professional endeavours. As the IBAL chairman, Tom Cavanagh, so rightly points out foreigners are behind two major areas of growth in our economy - tourism and direct inward investment. So much for our belief in generating repeat business.
Worse still, I feel the litter crisis reflects something much deeper. It is one of the most visible manifestations of our still weak and often incoherent sense of national identity. It also offers further proof of our failure to take on board collective responsibility in society.
I warmly welcome the IBAL initiative as a major step towards addressing this country's home grown litter crisis. I trust The Irish Times will give the organisation's forthcoming survey on foreigners' attitudes to Ireland's litter problem the press coverage it deserves. - Yours, etc.,
Sraid An Mhota Iocht,
BAC 2