Madam, - I enjoyed reading Rosita Boland's recent article about soul-searching, in which a range of people from various occupations were asked whether they agreed with the question posed by Archbishop Sean Brady - has Ireland lost its soul? - but I was surprised that nobody mentioned the one word which springs to my mind most readily when this subject is discussed: greed.
From Malin Head to Mizen Head, greed is rampant in the country. It appears to be the main motivation governing the actions of a whole host of people and institutions who provide a service to the public: plumbers, publicans, shopkeepers, B&B owners, lawyers, banks, insurance companies, medical consultants and almost any other service provider you can think of.
Ireland of the Welcomes has been replaced by Rip-Off Ireland, creating a culture in which good manners are fast disappearing, youngsters have no respect for their elders, and the boundaries of taste and decency are continually being pushed back. Politicians constantly refer to the country as an economy, rather than a society.
Money, money, money - nothing matters but money. This is why Ireland has lost its soul. - Yours, etc.,
JOE PATTON, Hillcrest Walk, Lucan, Co Dublin.