Sir, – One of your letter-writers refers to Southern Ireland (October 23rd). There is no such place as Southern Ireland nor did such a place ever exist. Yet it frequently appears in your paper.
There are two states on this island: Northern Ireland and Ireland, the latter being the name of the State in both the Constitution and on the passport. It has taken us a long time down here to accept that the six north-eastern counties were called Northern Ireland, so perhaps it’s equally time that the State I live in was called by its correct title – Ireland. The addition of its added status as a Republic is optional in the same way that our neighbouring island state could be called the Monarchy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. – Yours, etc,
JOE COY,
Kilbannon, Tuam,
Co Galway.