Image problem

IN response to the Lonely Planet Guide and its assessment of Ireland (Jamuary 20), and to the tourists who expect to see leprechauns and turf-laden carts pulled by donkeys with the natives living in quaint thatched-roof cottages, I would like to apologise for the development of the country.

With all due respect I wouldn’t expect to meet Roy Rogers or Mickey Mouse after stepping off a plane in the US.

As for the good olde world image of 12 kids and devout Catholics ... well, we all know the outcome of that.

Mark Murphy

Electra Street

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates