Madam, - I am not surprised at Ciaran Alfred's personal attack on me (July 17th) for merely suggesting that the State should prioritise between home and foreign projects when disposing of scarce public funds. In recent times I have become accustomed to intolerance masquerading as liberalism.
I respectfully suggest that Mr Alfred revisit my letter, and see the substance rather than the shadow. I specifically said that I did not question the sincerity of these men, and I called for sensible and unemotive debate rather than irresponsible civil disobedience. I make no apologies for keeping an open mind on wealthy people demanding that tight public finances be spent on their high-profile charities.
Mr Alfred's letter concludes by suggesting that I do "something meaningful for the cause of those suffering at home". I have no idea how that diversionary tangent relates to the question at issue, but whatever I do in this regard, I will not blow my trumpet in public lest my true motives become sullied by personal gratification.
This particular debate is now closed as far as I am concerned. - Yours, etc.,
OLIVER DUFFY, Fremont Drive, Melbourn Estate, Bishopstown, Co Cork.