Sir, - Does hatred of the English permeate Irish society as a whole? I am of course referring to the unbridled joy to be seen around the country after England's admittedly well-deserved exit from Euro 2000. I suppose I shouldn't be, but I was very surprised at the intensity of feeling I noticed surrounding this all too predictable event.
It culminated in the words of a speaker at a conference I attended on Wednesday morning, who apologised to all present for his lack of concentration due to his "elation after a glorious night for Irish soccer".
If such sentiments were expressed in the playground I'm sure they'd be discouraged, but when adults voice them, perhaps it's a bit more worrying - particularly given the racial tension palpable in the country at present, not to mention the once-again precarious situation in the North. - Yours, etc.,
Richie Ryan, Ranelagh Avenue, Dublin 6