Sir, - I was born and raised in Belfast and, by a long and winding road, I now live in New Zealand. Your Letters page is a wonderful source of information, amusement and knowledge about what is going on in Ireland as opposed to what the media here would have us believe.
The TV licence fee has recently been abolished here and the government appears to be making a concerted effort to improve the quality of what is available to view on the box. What brought about this small miracle? My view is that a significant number of people refused to pay the fee and read books instead for a few months. It is worth a try, as you have nothing to lose by the sound of it. Quality television is a joy to behold and worth fighting for, so why pay for anything less? - Yours, etc.,
Penny Metcalfe, Poulton Avene Shirley, Christchurch, New Zealand [STARS]