The price of 'patriotism'

Madam, - I recently purchased an instrument from a UK music store at the widely available UK price of £369

Madam, - I recently purchased an instrument from a UK music store at the widely available UK price of £369. Including insurance and speedy delivery to my door, the total cost was €425. The same item in a leading Irish store costs €689.

This level of saving (about 40 per cent) is quite normal when it comes to musical instruments. Meanwhile, newsagents are commonly charging €8.10 for UK magazines with a stated price of £4.99. Surely retailers also have a patriotic duty? - Yours, etc,

MICHAEL POWER,

Stillorgan Wood,

Kilmacud,

Co Dublin.