BIL STATHAM,
Madam, - Laurie Ellison's letter of October 14th stirs me to reply. As a visitor to Ireland for 40 years this year - for an average of a month a year - I must put another view.
Dublin to start with, has no monopoly of miserable sales people in shops. Like the poor, they are always with us. But I remember with affection the many cases of good service - and yes, downright honesty. Like the petrol station attendant in the days of real money who asked me if I was a rich man and when I said "No" replied: "Then why have you given me two £5 notes for two quids worth of petrol?" Or the coffee shop proprietor who would not take my money when I had climbed a long flight of stairs for a coffee, using my stick.
I have always felt it a near necessity to give my money to someone who looks pleased to have it.
But then I always expect friendship - and I don't wish everyone a nice day. - Yours, etc.,
BIL STATHAM,
Cheltenham,
England.