Madam, - I was taken aback at your paper's decision to not only publish, but award such prominence to Barry Malone's trite and misleading story on HIV (Magazine, January 27th).
I was pleased to see a headline and cover photograph that promised to treat the issue in a sanguine manner. Expecting insight and wisdom, I began the article with admiration for the author for taking an upbeat approach to a much misunderstood and stigmatised condition. My breath was taken, however, when I discovered that the story was shaggy-dog sensationalism rather than constructive journalism. It should have remained in the pub with Mr Malone and not in the pages of your paper.
Mr Malone, despite his time in Africa and brush with the reality of HIV, seemingly lacks the sensitivity to consider how his self-indulgent narrative might be interpreted by any of the millions of people living with HIV.
Fortunately, most of those people have more important things on their minds and lives to get on with. They, and their families and friends, do, however, deserve a more dignified treatment of the matter by your paper. - Yours, etc,
ANNE HOLMES,
Inchicore,
Dublin 8.
Madam, - I am appalled by the reaction of Vera Hughes (February 3rd) to "An Irishman's HIV story". I think it's about time that people in Ireland woke up to the reality of HIV and didn't hide behind ridiculous talk about "shame or decency".
The piece was by no means sensationalist but dealt with the facts in a poignant and informative way. Congratulations to the writer for having the courage to write about such an experience while also highlighting the inequalities in the treatment of people who are HIV positive. - Yours, etc,
ÁINE KELLY,
Leipzig,
Germany.