Sir, - Ciaran Hogan's timely letter from Finland (July 28th) sounds a vital warning that Ireland's golden goose of tourism is being choked by litter.
The insidious littering of our communities has got to a point where, most dangerously, it is no longer noticeable to most natives. It requires a returned emigrant or a foreign holidaymaker to bring the low standard of basic hygiene to our attention so starkly.
Further, we are now accused of being con artists, promising a "green, clean" environment in our brochures and TV broadcasts which we know will not be delivered. Once done, the victim is rarely forgiving and warns others to beware.
So, when the economic cycle eases into its natural descent, as it will, the death croak of this golden goose will be matched by the wails from the unemployed of the tourism industry.
Once again, too little too late will be the cry, as those with the powers - the Minister for the Environment, his Department, county managers and heads of urban authorities - seek to blame everyone except themselves for a product that has been debased through lack of action.
Part of the way forward must lie in new, radical schemes that will pay their own way, using management that is hired or fired on the basis of results achieved. - Yours, etc., Mike W. Parle,
Highfield Park, Leixlip, Co Kildare.