‘Poppy’ charities are stretching our generosity

IT seems that seasonal red poppies are making something of a limited comeback after a hiatus lasting roughly the extent of the Troubles that blighted this island for almost 30 years.

I would have thought that we have enough claims on our generosity without being approached on behalf of an institution that does not attract much favour in this country.

I suspect that opinion might be heavily divided in the case of victims of the two world wars, but Britain’s military adventures in more recent conflicts in places like the Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq were generally and correctly opposed by the majority of people in this country, so it seems inappropriate that we should be asked for financial help.

There can be very few surviving victims of World War I and since World War II ended more than 62 years ago, a victim of that conflict would need to be at least in his or her late 70s — again the numbers must be shrinking into relative insignificance.

There are a great many ways in which we could contribute to various worthy causes and, while it is a free choice, I feel there are more than enough deserving ways in which to salve our social consciences.

David H Roberts

‘Gloundine’

Castlegrove

Mallow

Co Cork