Sir, Reading your letters page online I came across one (April 25th) regarding Bord Failte's advertising campaign here in the US and elsewhere. I have not yet seen the fruits of that spending - being without cable television of any kind - but I do have some suggestions.
Since arriving here first I have met with the stereotypical image of the Irish as demon drinkers. At first this is something you smile at thinking it is just isolated, but as time goes on you begin to notice that the idea of Ireland as a country of insane drunks is a little more deeply ingrained than first imagined. At my place of toil I have "debriefed" all my coworkers of the media myths conquering cottages and whiskey in Eire. Now when new employees join the company and, as always happens on discovering my nationality, they make a drinking comment of my colleagues take over (with knowing smirks to each other) and explain to the uninitiated that Ireland is a vibrant and exciting place with teetotallers too! It is most rewarding to be present when this occurs. A small step in presenting the Ireland that I grew up in.
When Bord Failte approaches a market it has an advantage over any other country's tourist board. Despite all we do, people everywhere love Ireland. What other country has a worldwide day to celebrate the being of its nation, - in the name of a Saint? Now all they have to do is convince people that there is more than alcohol coursing through our collective veins. A task? - Yours, etc.,
Whitewater Wisconsin.