Madam, – Let me reassure Paul Gordon (December 27th) that his happiness in posting his final loan repayment was not misplaced.
In today’s Irish society, we see many examples of anti-social behaviour. The developers, upon whom Prime Time cast a spotlight, are an extreme example of this.
Over the years, I have asked myself why I encouraged my children to hold doors open for the person following them, even though its a gamble as to whether or not there will be acknowledgment, never mind an expression of thanks. Or to give up their seat to an aged or infirm person (our elders are far more gracious in their responses, thankfully). The answer to my question is that an act of kindness is its own reward.
So to Mr Gordon I say this. Congratulations! You worked hard for your Master’s. You worked hard to pay for it. You are the better person for it. That you felt both compelled to pay off your loan and felt good about doing so is ample evidence of this. A person such as yourself commands the respect of everyone he meets. I’ve no doubt you have earned the respect of everyone who read your letter. There’s hope for us yet. – Yours, etc,