Sir, - Fair minded people were quite upset when it became apparent that Sean Lemass, a much lauded Minister for Commerce and a superb DIY Director for Ireland, did not enjoy appropriate wealth when he retired from politics. Life is even more complex nowadays. Personal gain is attacked on all fronts by nasty, unappreciative begrudgers, driven by an unhealthy seam of jealous and hypocritical financial rectitude "buffs".
If Ben Dunne, one of our own, a most significant trader in our land, is generous to a fault to some people he admires, then our nation is wealthier for it in spirit and daring. Hard hearted pride driven misers who have no flair for decency are dead as Irish people. I remember when old Ben Dunne, when working in Roches Stores in Cork, sold my parents my First Communion suit. I believe he would be quietly proud of his son today trying to do something decent without publicity.
Yours, etc.,
Kilbeg,
Harbour Road,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath.