Sir, - I refer to Paul Cullen's article on honorary university degrees in the "Education and Living" supplement (May 14th). That Ireland has no national honours scheme may or may not be a good thing - the fact that in countries such as the UK pop stars and sportsmen can receive: the very same honour as academics and statesmen illustrates the danger that such systems can become farcical.
It does not seem right, to my mind, that universities, whatever their motives, should have appointed themselves to fill this role. Those who have "legitimately" received degrees have worked extremely hard to do so. It can only serve to undermine the efforts of these people if others - however worthy of admiration - can acquire these honours at the mere whim of a university senate. Those deserving of our respect invariably have it. The receipt of some spurious doctorate or other should not be necessary to indicate this. - Yours, etc.,
Kilmurry Village,
Castletroy,
Limerick.