St Stephens’s Day opening must be resisted

I READ with dismay that Cork city centre shops are attempting to open on Boxing Day.

Yes, I know in Ireland we call it St Stephens’s Day – but for how long? We may as well start calling Patrick Street the High Street.

I am no crackpot republican, but I am very alarmed at the anglicisation of Irish society.

A shopping trip to the city centre is no different to Liverpool or Manchester. Then there is this incessant X Factor hype. Now the British-owned multiples want to consumerise to its deathbed the very notion of a Christian and family-oriented Christmas by opening on St Stephens’s Day. This change must be resisted. The excuse of recouping business lost as a result of the floods is being made by companies that were not affected by the flooding. Patrick Street was open on the Friday when he deluge was at its worst.

If these shops get their way, what excuse to open will be made in future? Where do you think the profits made in a British-owned department store on St Stephens’s Day will end up. Patriotic duty anyone?

Alan Jones

Old Market Place

Blarney Street

Cork