Sir, – Regarding Dublin city councillor and former lord mayor Mary Freehill's recent call for a new and more "inclusive" motto for the city, this prompts the question: who is excluded from the present motto ("Obedientia civium urbis felicitas" – "The obedience of the citizens produces a happy city")? With its reference to "the citizens" which, presumably, means all the city's residents, the present motto is as inclusive, in the proper sense of the term, as any conceivable alternative could be. According to herself, even Ms Freehill hasn't devised a more "inclusive" alternative. The present motto has served Dublin well for over 400 years and is sufficiently fit for purpose to serve it well for another 400. – Yours, etc,
HUGH GIBNEY,
Athboy, Co Meath.