Dean Van Nguyen’s article on U2 (Ireland’s problem with U2, 12 July) is not a true reflection of the Irish nor their relationship with both Bono and his fellow bandmates.
For the record, Bono, leaving aside his band’s music, is one of the greatest ambassadors Ireland has ever produced and I have no doubt he will go down in history as one who did more to elevate world poverty than any other during his lifetime.
What Mr Van Nguyen does not understand about Ireland is that in a superficial world that holds fame in high regard for its own sake, we Irish take a different view and generally judge our fellow country men and women not by how successful or famous they are but how they interact with others and “down to earth” they are as individuals. This is often misinterpreted as Irish begrudgery but we like to think of it as being a more “real” way to live.
Ireland actually loves Bono and U2 and is very proud of them – we just don’t see the need to shout and roar about it.
Nick Crawford
Dalkey, Co Dublin
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