Sir, - I was somewhat confused by Robert Greacen's espousal of Belfast's bid to be European City of Culture 2008.
I would like to make two points. Firstly, he refers to sectarianism, provinciality and philistinism not having gone away. There's nothing like understatement. These "traditional" Belfast qualities are currently undergoing something of a renaissance - as in the Holy Cross Primary School and Our Lady's Secondary School débâcles and the ongoing rioting on the Limestone Road and White City area. Secondly, what is this "wind of change that is blowing across the Lagan?" And in which direction is it blowing, west to east or east to west? Let's face it: the new, and long overdue, civic buildings on the Lagan do not propel Belfast into the same league as Athens.
Anyone who has spent time in Belfast will know that our myopic and sectarian "cultural heritage" is nothing but a litany of embarrassments. Some highlights would include painted kerbstones and gable walls; miles of "peacelines"; and a bigot-fest every July.
We do have a fledgling St Patrick's Day parade/carnival, which receives no funding from the Belfast City Council, an august body which until recently was not noted for its support of the Irish language. We also have Europe's largest community festival, which until recently received no council/public support.
Yes, Belfast is buzzing, but the only buzz is from the flies which hover over the open graves of tolerance and equality. - Is mise,
PAUL S. BURNS,
Cavehill Road,
Belfast 14.