Letters: John Boyne takes a novel approach in face of literary pretension

Sir — How refreshing it was to read John Boyne’s ‘My Life in Books’ (People & Culture, November 3). At last, an ­honest contribution to this feature. The book by his bedside is a Roddy Doyle, his ­favourite literary character is by ­Dickens.

Week-in, week-out, we have to read people ­waffling about books we’ve never heard of — obviously in an effort to seem highbrow. It brings to mind a Ross O’Carroll-Kelly book in which Fionnuala, in an effort to impress, names a very dubious book as her favourite without knowing a thing about it. Incidentally, there’s a Ross O’Carroll-Kelly by my bedside, along with a Marian Keyes and a Richard Osman.



Real books for real people. Susan Foley, Templeogue, Dublin 6 Donald Trump has handle on key issues facing US Sir — In last week’s Sunday Independent , Declan Lynch went into the cellar to find language to describe Donald Trump — to no avail. As a naturalised US citizen, I voted for Mr Trump, and my reasons are very simple.

Kamala Harris has very little political experience. Being president of the US is a pressure-­cooker job at any time, but especially now. In the same edition of your paper, Colin Murphy called it correctly when he said the cost of living and immigration were the two greatest concerns to Americans.

We have an election at the end of the month, and most people here have the same concern. Mike Kelleher, Tramore, Co Waterford ​Dictators often rise above constitutions Sir — Eilis O’Hanlon (‘Hysteria a bigger threat than Trump’, November 3) wrote that the checks and balances in the US constitution would act as a brake on Donald Trump’s dictatorial tendencies. Perhaps.

When Hitler was appointed chancellor in 1933 by Paul von Hindenburg, the old president and his colleagues were confident the Nazi leader could be controlled in the constitutional cage. Of course, we hope history doesn’t repeat itself, and maybe we should heed Eilis when she tells us to take the “advice in a recent self-help book and just Calm the F**k Down”. That said, I can’t help recalling another piece of advice, scrawled on a wall many years ago during the Troubles in O’Hanlon’s native Belfast: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

” Jim O’Connell, Ashtown, Dublin 7 Result could bring demise of decency Sir — As a child of the 1950s, I was brought up to always tell the truth, to respect others (not­ably girls) and to be polite, never forgetting to say “please” and “thank you”. My consequent life and development as a human being flourished because of this grounding imparted to me and my siblings by our parents. The re-election of Donald Trump as president sends a message to my grandchildren that dishonesty, misogyny and arrogance are central requirements in dealing with people and succeeding in life.

This more than anything else (and there is much more) upsets and dismays me. Michael Gannon, St Thomas Square, Kilkenny Ireland must learn from toxic blueprint Sir — On the day Donald Trump won the US presidential election, Simon Harris called a general election for Friday, ­November 29. In his haste to congratulate the president-elect, the Taoiseach may have forgotten his general election day is Black Friday, a dark omen for superstitious candidates.

Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 28 — is a federal holiday in the US, giving thanks for the harvest. Its true meaning has been lost in a frantic shopping frenzy, which begins with a dawn dash on Black Friday. Despite our self-professed disdain for American consumerism and the insular MAGA movement of Trump, we Irish have paradoxically embraced the US spending spree with rare abandon.

So, let’s be careful not to also adopt the toxic US election blueprint, which was laced with bitterness, intemperate language, violence, death threats and an attempted assassination. Irish elections are traditionally policy-based with an emphasis on the core values of democracy, mutual respect, informed discourse, dignity and good hum­our. We must continue to allow candidates to canvass openly without fear of violence or intimidation during the campaign.

Candidates are welcome to ring my bell and are assured of a courteous reception. How­ever, they should remember that the longer they detain me on the doorstep, the less likely they are to get my vote. Good luck to those with the civic-mindedness to place their names on the ballot paper.

Billy Ryle, Spa, Tralee, Co Kerry ​Further viewpoints on Donald Trump’s election Sir — Despite the disappointing result — the return of Trump — it was heartening to see over 140 million Americans exercise their democratic mandate again. Who says democracy is under threat in the US? It wasn’t a surprise to see the Democrats lose big time. Life for millions of Americans is not a bunch of roses and the dogs on the street knew it.

I wish the 47th president and his administration well in lifting the plight of the disenfranchised in particular. God speed to the United States, and hopefully we will see an end to the ceaseless wars and the suffering in Palestine and Ukraine. If so, President Trump won’t bother anyone too much.

Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Sir — Seeing as how virtually all who make up Official Ireland have a visceral hatred of Donald Trump, the State would do well to send an ambassador to the US who doesn’t come from the elite establishment. That is to say, somebody who understands the Trump appeal and doesn’t think that those who voted for him are racist idiots. I await the call.

Brendan Corrigan, Granada, Colombia ​Sir — Now that Trump has been elected despite the best efforts of the Irish media, should he not begin to repay us by kicking out all illegal Irish? Domhnall Mac Fhlannchadha, Baile Atha Cliath 9 Sir — You can now tell fairy stories about eating cats and dogs, be a pathological liar, be convicted of fraud, have sex with a porn star, sack your colleagues if they disagree with you, owe millions, be a despicable human being and get elected president of United States. John Prendergast, Kilkenny Sir — “The people have spok­en, the bastards.” Not my words, but those of a certain Richard Gregory Tuck — political consultant, campaign strategist and Democratic candidate for the California senate election in 1966.

How prescient is that utterance today? I will leave it up to your readership. Anthony McDonagh, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan ​Sir — I am dying to know if President Michael D Higgins has written to congratulate Donald Trump with the same praise he has made a point of bestowing on other leaders, including those of Venezuela, Cuba and Iran. Gearoid Duffy, Lee Road, Cork ​Sir — There is no doubt the man is unhinged.

However, 75 million American adults voted for him, even though it is apparent to most of them that a lot of what he says is of an obnoxious nature. This is America and ­hyperbole is normal. Anthony Hanrahan, Renvyle, Co Galway Sir — The American people have not only spoken, but spok­en very clearly, despite the constant vilification of Trump, including two assassination att­empts.

I hope and pray he can lead his people to a safe and prosperous future with respect for all life, from conception until natural death. Mary Stewart, Ardeskin, Donegal town ​ Sir — It would appear Trump would give Lazarus a good run for his money. Nothing quite like a miracle to irritate the non-believers and Pharisees.

Aileen Hooper, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 Sir — To all those celebrity darlings wishing to leave the US now that Trump has won, please do not come to Ireland. I don’t want them. We’ve got enough pretend people of our own without adding more of the easily offended wokery to the TV news to bleat about democracy.

Robert Sullivan, Bantry, Co Cork Sir — The vast majority of the Irish media and politicians have been extremely vocal and visceral in their opposition to Donald Trump. A majority of the same organisations and individuals quite rightly champion freedom of opinion, but it appears these principles only apply if the views voiced are regarded as the “corr­ect” ones. Whatever our opinion on Trump’s candidacy, we should all respect the democratic will of the American people.

Eamonn O’Hara, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal Sir — Four more years of the despotic man-child Trump and his tantrums. Four more years of him blowing his own trumpet. The only good news is that he can’t run again.

Susan Bevan, Dublin 8 ​Advocate needed to negotiate insurance Sir — Colum Kenny asks: ‘Why is the cost of health insurance permitted to rise relentlessly?’ (November 3). The answer is because we’ve allowed it to happen. Who is advocating or negotiating for the consumers? We pay more and get less.

Private health insurance has become increasingly unafford­able, especially for elderly or retired people who would have paid health insurance all their working lives. What we need is a representative organisation composed of members of private health insurance to negotiate on their behalf. If every policy-holder paid a fee, it would cover the costs.

There were 2.48 million people with private health insurance at end of last year. Máire Ní Fearghail, Bother Bui, Contae an Mí ​Dubs splashing the cash on property tax Sir — It’s that time of year when property tax bills come through our letterboxes.

I always look forward to the demand because 20pc of what’s collected is distributed to other councils. Dubliners have always been generous to our rural cousins. Perhaps these councils should get 30pc or more.

The generosity of Dublin people knows no bounds. Jim Walsh, Dublin 6 Media need funding to counter fake news Sir — The Government is in constant uproar about the effect that social media, especially X, has on political discourse, argu­ing that it amplifies misinformation, disinformation and fake news. The Government’s starting point in this debate is more legislation to restrict and control social media.

It is debatable whether it is desirable for governments to seek to control free speech and discern the veracity of information, especially as several ministers have demonstrated their uncomfortable relationship with the truth. It is also questionable whether this enterprise is possible in the era of instant mass communication. That path, as James S Mill points out, leads to “the tyranny of political rulers”.

Another way to counter the effect of social media and protect truth and democracy is to have a vibrant media sector. Investigative journalism roots out corruption and provides in-depth research and analysis. This type of reporting is labour-intensive and expensive and can result in costly litigation.

It is recognised that the independent media is not financially supported in the provision of news and current affairs. In response to the lack of financial support, Virgin Media has declared that it will not host a leaders debate during the general election. This follows a previous ann­ouncement that it will be reducing its flagship current affairs programme, The Tonight Show , from four nights a week to two.

In both instances, the station has pointed to “challenging market conditions”. Ditto independent radio and the news­paper sector. The issue is the shift of advertising revenue away from traditional media to the tech giants.

It goes without saying that democracy, holding the government to account and truth are not served by Virgin Media’s decision. The Government bears full responsibility for this situation. If it wishes to limit the impact of social media and promote authoritative news, it needs to fund it.

How it goes about that is a completely different debate. Andy Hales, Kenmare, Co Kerry ​Well-off councillors are waste of money Sir — Wayne O’Connor’s article last Sunday on councillor gratuities was a fascinating piece of public service journalism and shows the scandalous waste of taxpayers’ money, of which I would think the vast majority of people would have been unaware. The amounts paid to some individuals (€95,000-plus) is mouthwatering.

To add insult to injury, one has only to serve a minimum of two years and be at least 50 years of age to qualify for some level of payment. What is even more interesting is the speed with which politicians — from all parties and none — recently rushed to rightly condemn the cost of the now infamous bike shelter in Leinster House, but they are happily able to ignore these gratuity payments because all parties and independents benefit from them. David Gordon, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 ​Nation still at odds with sordid past Sir — The tragedy of sexual and physical abuse of children is that so many remained silent.

That is an uncomfortable conversation the Ireland of today will have to have with itself. In conversation with an old man recently who found out that I was sexually abused as a child, he mumbled “there for the grace of God go I” as he hurried away. Ireland is still runn­ing away from its sordid past.

Michael Clemenger, Trim, Co Meath You will regret not publishing my letter Sir — I was disappointed you didn’t print the letter I sent in last week in response to an article on depression. Not everyone believes in the chemical imbalance dogma of depression being caused by lack of serotonin. Anyway, I don’t need you to publish my letter as I will be writing a book about my own journey of recovery from depression without drugs, and it is you who will be contacting me for an interview, Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway ​Shake of head for nodding donkeys Sir – As we watch government ministers being interviewed on television, they are very often surrounded by supporters, many nodding in agreement with their views.

I look forward to the day when some brave guy or gal shakes a head vigorously in disagreement. Mind you, the words “hold” and “breath” spring to mind. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 Cost of aftershave was real stinker Sir — The Christmas market is starting this weekend in Galway city.

It’s a wonderful place, but last year I was badly caught out. A man was selling aftershave and perfume for €50 a go. When I arrived back home with my expensive aftershave and realised it costs €2 online, I travelled back the following day and confronted the man, who had a crowd around him.

He certainly hadn’t a crowd after I started talking. Hopefully, the word is out now. Kevin Carolan, Bailieboro, Co Cavan.