Cryptic dialogue

You know yourself

Sir, – Myles na gCopaleen’s wonderful piece of dialogue showing how two Dubliners can have a conversation that reveals nothing to any outside listener, as presented by Frank McNally (An Irishman’s Diary, June 9th), calls to mind the classic cartoon in Dublin Opinion, entitled “The Diplomat”. A barman in a pub, carefully examining the glass he is polishing, but addressing a recently arrived customer, says: “Ah, Mr D was in, Mr O, but he never said anythin’ about the other matter.”– Yours, etc,

RODNEY DEVITT,

Sandymount,

Dublin 4.