I love the Irish Independent!

Men need a makeover

Sir - At a time of difficulty for the tourism industry, it's important that we all play our part in supporting a valuable national interest. For those of us not involved in the industry, support should at least include extending a genuine 'cead mile failte' to tourists.

Most accept that, given a dash of sunshine, the landscape is our best asset - so we should take care to show our individual properties in a favourable light and not hesitate to splash on paint where appropriate. There is no longer any excuse for tolerating old derelict sites.

And there is a lot we can do about our own presentation, especially men. In the modern world where appearance is all, we must unburden ourselves of old attitudes of what real manliness means. During the tourist season, at least, we should follow our Taoiseach's heroic initiative of looking good for Ireland and not be afraid to slap on a bit of powder and lipstick. After all, what male citizen knows when a tourist might wish to take his photograph as an example of modern Irish manhood?

Of course, the make-up - powder and lipstick should be sufficient for all but the very wizened face - should be supplied by the Government, which could also arrange short Fas courses to train suitable males as make-over artists.

It is my personal conviction that, during the normal tourist season, bald men should not be allowed appear in public unless wearing a traditional Irish tweed cap or an appropriate wig. Enforcement of this rule, as well as the obligation for Irish men to wear make-up, would, naturally, fall to the Equality Agency.

True equality and the tourism industry demands that we men accept the duty of looking good for Ireland. It would be most unfair to leave it to the women and an Taoiseach!

Liam O Geibheannaigh,
Ath an Ghainimh, Co Atha Cliath

What major US newspaper would print this?