Profiteers and puritans ruining the Republic
This has not been an easy choice. I have been visiting the Republic on holiday and to see family for 20-odd years. My wife is from the Republic and we come over to see relatives and have a holiday twice a year.
Last year, we had a great time in Cork. Apart from some over-priced B&Bs and the continual rip-off pricing that the Irish and tourists suffer alike, we did find some good-value places and planned to return this September.
Since then, the situation has got worse and the Republic seems to be well on the way to becoming an authoritarian state, run jointly by a brigade of puritans and a posse of clip-joint owners.
We come to Ireland on holiday to enjoy ourselves. This does not entail being told that we can’t smoke in pubs (or now outside of pubs after nine) or to get the kids out of pubs after nine. If the Irish State and its busy-body minions are intent on destroying individual freedom, so be it - but I refuse to be oppressed, especially on holiday.
This June, we had a great time among friendly people in north Antrim. We actually came home with some money in our pockets as well as some great memories.
We have now decided to go back in September, rather than go to Cork. We are not alone, and venues on the Republic side of the Border are on the verge of closing because of lack of business. People are simply voting with their feet and northerners are staying in Northern Ireland or going abroad now.
Cork’s capital of culture year, instead of being a tremendous boost for a great city, is in danger of collapsing under the oppressive weight of these largely middle-class health fascists, forever trying to ban something or other. If Southerners want a taste of freedom without a heavy-handed state looming over them, please go to the six counties.
Sorry, I forgot, you were daft enough to join the euro and have to pay a premium in the sterling area.
Get yourself some decent politicians instead of the current shower and people might start returning. Be quick though, because people soon find other venues, as we have done.
Chris Clegg
Bradshaw Street
Nelson
Lancashire BB9 9BW
England
