Madam, - It is almost 10 years since I left Ireland. I have gone back at least six times a year since then and each time found myself getting increasingly depressed by what I found.
The Ireland of "Céad Milé Fáilte" seemed to be disappearing and in its place I found selfishness, racism, political chicanery, child abuse scandals. The wealth brought by the Celtic Tiger displayed itself in fancy houses and big cars, expensive restaurants and boutiques, yet people on the margins seemed even more marginalised.
I have just spent 48 hours in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare and cannot over-emphasise the renewed pride and happiness I feel in being Irish. I went home to attend the welcoming of the Kazakhstan Delegation to West Clare for the Special Olympics and to see the Olympic Torch pass through my home town.
The overwhelming welcome given to the the athletes on their arrival was astounding. The turn-out on the streets to welcome the Torch of Hope as it passed on its journey to Dublin, the generosity of the people could not possibly anywhere but in Ireland - and I know that all over the country similar events have been taking place.
Let us only hope and pray that we can hold on to this feeling and spirit of welcome and generosity and continue to display the same to all visitors to our shores and to all those among us less fortunate than ourselves. - Yours, etc.,
SARAH IRONSIDE,
Brussels,
Belgium.