Sir, - Carmel Courtney (July 20th) is quite right regarding such insulting signs as "Brits Out", "Up the IRA", etc. Some of these signs are quite recent, while others have faded with age. But the signal to the frequent traveller is the same.
What it says to me is that I am not welcome.
Wherever I see such a sign, tolerated as it is by the local community which leaves it in place, I drive on and take my business elsewhere.
There is an encouraging exception to the toleration of such sectarian graffiti. In Lanesborough, Co Longford, the slogan that had defaced the bridge over the Shannon has been painted out. I now make a point of stopping there for a meal or buying a paper at the newsagents every time I'm travelling that way. Lanesborough has won my custom because, in refusing to tolerate unwelcoming slogans, it has sent out the signal that "We welcome all". - Yours, etc.,
R. PRICE STEPHENS, High Street, Holywood, Co Down.