The curmudgeonly Vincent
Sir — Congratulations to your columnist, Eilis O’Hanlon, for having the temerity to review the life and times of the broadcaster Vincent Browne, “The good, the bad and the ugly sides of Browne” (Sunday Independent, August 14).
I take issue, however, with her use of the words “irascible curmudgeon” to describe Mr Browne, as, to the casual reader, it sounds like a compliment.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, it means a badtempered, difficult, cantankerous person. In my opinion, this is a more apt description of Vincent’s interviewing style. Don Byrne Dublin 5
Autumn welcome
Sir — Eilis O’Hanlon (Sunday Independent, August 14) refers to him as “the eponymous host” returning to his chair on TV3 at approximately 11pm each week night and I secretly celebrate such good tidings for my autumn viewing.
My friends say I must have a sad life when I tell them I rarely miss Tonight with Vincent Browne as a soothing nightcap to see him put guessing guests through their paces. He chases answers to rhetorical questions, frowns ferociously, interrupts, harasses, while wryly smirking when he sees pressure mounting. What late-night entertainment at the press of a TV3 button.
I really admire his interviewing technique, direct quizzing, bold humour and indeed his apparent knowledge of world affairs.
Vincent may sometimes look as if he has a ‘bad hair day’ and the tie can hang recklessly off-centre but I think that’s part of his charm in his eponymous slot, glaring and glowing till the midnight hour. With renewed zest for autumn viewing, céad míle fáilte Vincent!
Eilís Uí Bhriain Caisleán Uí Liatháin
Cork