Madam, – As from midnight on Wednesday April 27th) until midnight, Sunday, May 1st, I will be observing a total news blackout, ie no television, radio or news publications, in order to avoid any semblance of information on that wedding. In the meantime, if there is any important/worthwhile news that may affect me, I’m sure that I will hear about it somehow anyway.
From Monday, I look forward to life getting back to normal – for a while at least. – Yours, etc,
PETER PALLAS,
Toberteascain,
Ennis,
Co Clare.
A chara, – Why is there any “perplexity” for Malachaí Duddy (April 27th) concerning the broadcast of the royal wedding? Mr Duddy would like to watch the 1916 Rising commemoration, but the broadcasters realise that tens of thousands more of his countrymen and countrywomen (the proportions of each may well differ) will follow the wedding on TV and consequently they will be able to sell advertising time at a premium.
When Charles married Diana, the streets and shops of Ireland were deserted (well, at least in the two towns I visited) and the ESB nearly broke down when the transmission ended because the kettles were turned on and the waterpumps started up. RTÉ viewers must hope that this time the programme will not end prematurely – ie, before the balcony scene.
Obviously patriotism is good in theory, or until we have to pay for it. Anyone care to start a campaign to support those who long for the Good Old Days when Irish viewing choice was limited to RTÉ1 or RTÉ2? – Is mise,
KEITH J DRANSFIELD,
Lismore,
Co Waterford.
A chara, – It is ludicrous that our national television station, RTÉ, is showing live coverage of the royal wedding. I am sure that the costs involved, added to the massive costs of the forthcoming royal visit, would cover quite a few more urgent issues – such as the scandalous reduction in costings for special needs assistants in our schools which impact dreadfully on those with specific educational needs and those from the travelling community.
What a sad day for a republic. – Is mise,
EF FANNING,
Whitehall Road,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.