Sir, – A few years ago, an RTÉ television series The Great Lighthouses of Ireland appeared, and what a joy it was. The material covered some of the earth’s most beautiful geography, histories from personal experiences of isolation, to pivotal points in wars, and the engineering challenges of building structures that could survive the most extreme conditions. I watched it several times and sent the accompanying hardback book to Irish friends abroad.
Conversely, a guilty TV pleasure of mine is Nothing to Declare, an Australian reality show about customs control officers. Having spent a few years there I’ve always liked to hear the accent again and am constantly fascinated at the lack of cynicism public sector workers there show. I often seem to flick onto it at half-time while watching football and then forget to go back. The distraction emanates from the bizarre life forms or culinary concoctions the officers find in baggage, typicality showing deadpan common sense facing the most ludicrous scenarios.
News that the revenue are to appoint a team of experienced sailors to work with customs patrolling our shores inspires the hope these two ideas can be combined (“Revenue hopes to hire sailors and fishermen”, News, October 31st). A reality show following the new crew members could be compelling and very marketable internationally. I won’t be surprised if such a series brings in as much revenue as the service itself. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.