HUGH M. McKENNA,
Sir, - It's time for another American visitor to go home, disgusted. This visit has lasted 10 weeks and has been a time of disappointment and humiliation.
Being over the statutory age, I am not permitted to buy insurance in Ireland, although I owned a car here (since sold for a pittance) and have a licence permitting me to drive almost anywhere else in the world. I have valid driving insurance at home and brought with me a certificate from my insurance company; also two letters from doctors verifying my ability to drive, and a letter from my parish priest in case that wasn't enough.
Being only 80 years of age, I am well able to ride a bicycle and have been doing so, also begging rides from friends and acquaintances and using bus and taxi services when available. But my wife wants to see wild flowers and scenery not available by bus or taxi, and she won't ride on the handlebars of my bike.
In my last 25 visits to Ireland, chiefly to the Burren in Co Clare, I have logged more than 3½ years here and have made many friends. But bumming rides is a poor way to keep friends, let me assure you.
My experience will be well reported at home, never fear. And with all the "Ireland of the Welcomes" talk, no one here will do anything but wring his hands about this sad condition. - Yours, etc.,
HUGH M. McKENNA, Seaside, Oregon, USA.