Madam, - Your edition of October 22nd reports that begging and street drinking have been eradicated in a city centre zone as a result of a combined Garda and City Council initiative.
Mr John Fitzgerald feels that the centre city is the "front parlour" of Dublin from which those regarded as undesirable must be banished.
What exactly becomes of these people is not clear and does not appear to be of major concern, once they are out of sight of the 60,000 visitors who are supposed to be impressed by the shambles which is O'Connell Street at present.
Shorn of many lovely mature trees, the street is littered with builder's rubble, ramps, hoardings, machinery and finished off with a hideous spike, the cost of which could have provided comfort for thousands of the helpless and homeless.
Also in the city centre, visitors can, if they so desire, buy plenty of firecrackers to terrify their elderly neighbours and their pets. The sale of firecrackers is illegal - but sure who cares about that? - Yours, etc.,
CARMEL COURTNEY, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16.