Dear Editor,
The Dublin-New York livestream conduit could be the worst thing to have ever occurred to Irish tourism. Formerly, American tourists were compelled to spend thousands of euros on inflated hotel costs, exorbitant beers in Temple Bar, and equine buggy tours around the Liberties, all before countering the fabricated impressions created by Fáilte Ireland and Hollywood. Now, we’re offering this nuanced experience sans any charge.
Likewise, it’s rather baffling as to why someone thought it was a brilliant plan to set up the portal at North Earl Street and O’Connell Street intersection. Might I remind everyone that this particular location was the epicentre of violent antisocial disturbances barely a year ago and is notorious for such incidents? The decision makers in New York displayed better judgement by not selecting a volatile location for their part of the installation. Isn’t it high time we exercise some prudence?
Now looking at the brighter side of things, it appears the mirror had a different effect. It seems we’ve ended up getting a better look at ourselves rather than what the New Yorkers potentially saw.
Being conveniently located near the Spire, one can’t help but wonder if this portal can be metaphorically termed as the Eye of the Needle?
Lastly, it’s regrettable to see the experience tarnished so quickly by the Irish, but given our previous track record, it’s hardly surprising. We should be expressing gratitude that the portal hasn’t been vandalised, pilfered, or worse yet, had someone relieving themselves on it.
Yours sincerely,
A Collective of Concerned Citizens.