Royally remote
Sir: Perhaps Charles Moore’s concerns that the university education of Prince William and his future queen (The Spectator’s Notes, 20 November) could undermine national morale are unfounded. Reflection on my time as a St Andrews undergraduate 30 years ago has jogged memories of a surreal existence in a beautiful, remote seaside town, full of history, golf shops and bizarre traditions. Combined with the more normal student activities of non-stop partying and occasional bursts of frantic study, I would say that St Andrews University encapsulated a way of life very removed from the real world. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s time at St Andrews should prove to be the ideal preparation for their royal duties.
Peter Cutts
Kent
Sir: While I agree with the body of your leading article about the royal wedding (‘A sacred bond’, 20 November), the beginning and the end degenerated into gushing flannel. No doubt Prince William and Miss Middleton make a handsome couple, but there is no need for sentimentality.
Peter de Bruyne
By email
Irish eyes were blinded
Sir: Kevin Myers failed to mention the major cause of Ireland’s economic troubles (‘Going south’, 20 November). Our multi-seat system of proportional representation throws up representatives who are good at constituency work but who have no interest in advancing the national interest. It allows tiny minority parties undue influence, and parish-pump concerns tend to predominate. This was well illustrated during the 11-year reign of Bertie Ahern as taoiseach. Buying off sectional interests became key. Far-sighted decision-making was sacrificed on the altar of populist polices. Public service unions were rewarded with low taxes and uncompetitive pay increases. A blind eye was turned to the unregulated banks, which created a huge property boom ending in financial disaster. Result: EU and IMF management of our affairs. Although Myers appears to offer little hope, there is cause for optimism. The Irish people are now determined, more than ever, to usher in change.
John O’Byrne
Dublin W6
Sir: Kevin Myers’ brilliant but, to me, sad analysis of today’s Republic of Ireland reminded me of how little England has ever known of Ireland. I suppose it is fair enough that Leinster House should have to be explained — ‘the equivalent of the Palace of Westminster’. ’Twas ever thus. As Lord Clare said — but who he? It will have to be Burke, then: ‘England’s chief guilt is its total neglect, its utter oblivion, its shameful indifference of Ireland and of everything that relates to it.’ Perhaps George Osborne, with his ‘bilateral bailout’ of the Irish economy this week, has made amends.
Fionn Morgan
London SW11
Serious about Potter
Sir: I cannot agree with Deborah Ross about the latest Harry Potter film (Arts, 20 November). Ms Ross seems to worry that it takes itself too seriously, saying, ‘some shots are as apocalyptic as The Road — although it may be a mistake to confuse this with maturity’. But those of us who have grown up with Harry Potter do take it seriously, and we very much appreciate that the director, David Yates, does too. Ross seems to think the Harry Potter books should have been turned into a comedy on screen, but they are just as important to us as Tolkein or C.S. Lewis was for our parents and grandparents. When Harry attempts to avenge his parents’ death; when Ron storms off, possessed by the idea that Harry’s relationship with his beloved Hermione is no longer platonic; when Harry consoles Hermione by waltzing her around their tent to the dulcet tones of wizard radio; these moments for us Potter fans are important, emotional ones. I’m very glad that, even if Ross doesn’t get this, at least Mr Yates did.
Joanna Hughes
London SE5
Keeping the great in Britain
Sir: Am I the only Spectator reader mildly alarmed to find that our editor evidently believes that Britain can only remain Great by being the tax haven of choice for rootless cosmopolitan mountebanks of every sort (‘Osborne’s tax exiles’, 13 November)? I thought this was a Tory magazine.
R.S. Foster
Sheffield
Kindle can
Sir: Contrary to what Rory Sutherland says (Wiki man, 20 November), it is possible to send emails on the new Kindle, though this is not easily done due to the keyboard. But I am very pleased with my Kindle. I arrived at my hotel in Montevideo on 18 November, turned on its Wifi, and the 20 November issue of The Spectator arrived within seconds, fully two days early. Not many things happen early in Uruguay. Could you please start publishing the football scores on Thursday for Saturday’s games for me to read before going to the betting shop?
Pepper Constable
Montevideo, Uruguay
England’s thin edge
Sir: Ed Smith is right to say that he is ‘tempting fate’ when he says that Australian cricket has lost its edge (‘Ashes to Ashes’, 23 November). We Aussies relish nothing more than being written off — it stings our competitive instinct to life. Before reading Mr Smith’s article, I admit that I worried about this year’s Ashes series. Our team has not been playing well, whereas England’s cricketers look unusually strong. But as soon as you Poms started fancying your chances, my confidence bounced back.
Ben Hooper
Sydney
Write to us The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP letters@spectator.co.uk
Comments