Sir, – When Mary Rose Burke “told” The Irish Times (Front page, May 29th) that Boots chain had been through “two world wars and depressions”, she conveniently overlooked the causative history for these events, in place of being sensational.
History has shown that without greed, colonialism and expansionism these events would not have happened to the devastating extent that occurred.
History also shows that Britain and Germany were most culpable in sharing the blame for the grievances created that ultimately ended in two world wars. Ireland was faultless.
Worryingly Irish pharmacy is becoming the latest theatre of war between Britain and Germany (Boots versus Doc Morris/Unicare). Under a false guise of patient price benefit/value they are attempting to conquer the Irish pharmacy market in the commercially viable areas while ignoring the national requirement for pharmacy services.
The Irish public and particularly the Irish health administrators should not stand idly by. Currently we are in a phoney war, soon it will be all-out conflict.
Irish pharmacy is not a toy for the playful amusement of our German and British friends. Both are welcome to compete in our market, fairly and honestly and present information and prices in a truthful sustainable manner. Ireland is more than cities and large shopping centres.
In attempting to divide the spoils of war between them the Irish public should be informed of the long-term danger of damaging the already wounded independent pharmacist, who, by the way, has also survived two world wars, etc.
These two really are not any cheaper than the independent Irish-owned and staffed pharmacy. I know that because I am one. Proud Irish and happy to be both.They should play fair or go home. Ministers should represent the nation, not foreign greed. – Yours, etc,