TAOISEACH GARRET FITZGERALD received letters from as far as England, Wales and even Kuwait sending messages of support to him and congratulating the Irish people on their generosity following Band Aid.
State Papers from 1986 revealed the numerous letters the Taoiseach received.
A woman from Suffolk described how she had seen FitzGerald being interviewed on Channel 4 and said, “What a shame that you are not our Prime Minister”.
“A more gentle, humane well-balanced view than yours can hardly be imagined.”
Another letter from Wales thanked the Irish people for their generosity regarding Band Aid.
I envy the Irish people their benevolent Government, although it seems to me to be inbred amongst all Irish people, this warm humanity shared by the Irish and it cannot go unnoticed that that Band Aid single was organised by an Irishman, Bob Geldof and Adam Clayton.
A veterinary surgeon writing from a village in Warwickshire in England said, “Every genuine person I meet – whether British or Irish – is full of appreciation for what you stand for.”
Another letter, which was sent from an Irishman in Kuwait on 4 December 1984 said, “I wish you and your colleagues well and thank you for making this Irishman proud at long last of a Government and country with purpose.”
The Taoiseach replied to the letter from Kuwait saying, “It is always encouraging to know that my efforts in Government are appreciated but when I receive such a kind letter from as far away as Kuwait, then it is particularly satisfying”.
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