Irish honours system would be open to abuse

I THINK it is inappropriate for Irish citizens to accept foreign titles and honours. These have no intrinsic worth and only have an emotional value if one respects the institution that issues them.

Those performing deeds of particular merit ought to derive sufficient satisfaction and reward from a job well done and the gratitude of any beneficiaries.

I do not agree Ireland should introduce its own honours system because that would be devalued instantly by the antics of status-seekers and politicians doling out such baubles like confetti to any nonentity able to donate cash above a threshold sum to them or their parties. We have a good example of this in Britain right now and that should serve to deter us from either accepting their awards or from instituting a similar system here.

David Roberts

‘Gloundine’

Castlegrove

Mallow

Co Cork.