Sir, - As a devoted reader of Fintan O'Toole's column, I am usually delighted by his intelligence, commitment to social justice, and ability to get to the heart of the matter (not to mention sheer readability). Therefore, his column in today's Irish Times surprised and dismayed me.
Surely he must know that we, who care about what he writes, are not deluded about the so-called "beautiful people". Far from thinking of them as the new gentry who are more refined, with more highly developed sensibilities than the rest of us, they are, rather, perceived as having lots more money and infinitely more complicated sleeping arrangements. Self-indulgent, careless and vain - yes. Glamorous and to be envied - no. The new gentry to be looked up to and emulated - definitely not.
This is not to deny a certain prurient interest in their antics. But that is all it is - base curiosity. I am afraid I have to agree with Vincent Browne on this one. Please, Fintan, don't underestimate the ability of the ordinary people to recognise showboxery when they see it. - Yours, etc.,
The Green Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin.