Letters

Flags and emblems

Pole position

Tue Jan 23 2024 - 00:03

Sir, – Further to “Republic says No to poppy and Red Hand of Ulster: Poll shows hostility of voters to Northern symbols” (Analysis, January 22nd), we will need a new flag for a new Ireland. This Ireland will be enriched by many more than just two traditions. – Yours, etc,

HILARY CARR,

Stillorgan,

Co Dublin.

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Sir, – Clearly from the results of the surveys in Saturday’s issue, the Tricolour is going to be an issue in a reunited Ireland. Easily solved. Change to a single colour – olive. You get olive when you mix three parts green with one part orange. Perhaps also with a symbol, a pistol, emblematic of both traditions? – Yours, etc,

JOHN GRIFFIN,

Kells,

Co Meath.

Sir, – If the “Tricolour is a red flag for NI Protestants” (Analysis, January 20th) then a simple bicolour green and orange might have broader appeal. Just running it up the flagpole. – Yours, etc,

HUGH McDONNELL,

Dublin 9.

Sir, – It should not be too difficult for all to agree on a new flag for a sovereign united Ireland, if ever the day comes: the new flag can be the oldest one: “Azure, a harp Or stringed Argent”, depicted in the earliest arms of Ireland, “Le Roi d’Irlande, D’azur à la harpe d’or”, according to a 13th-century French roll of arms, the Armorial Wijnbergen. Associated presumably with the ard rí/high king, for it was not related to the mere Lordship of Ireland at that time held putatively by the English king (initially King John, ironically then as a vassal of the Pope!) who only assumed the title “King of Ireland” later in the Reformation reign of Henry VIII. A version of it is used today as the standard of the President of Ireland, and as the arms emblazoned on the shield at Irish diplomatic missions. By the way, for unionists to note: this is how Ireland also still appears quartered on the coat of arms of the UK and its crown. – Yours, etc,

FRANCIS M O’DONNELL,

Vienna.

Sir, – The four-provinces flag proudly flown by by our sports teams (notably by the hockey sides in Valencia last week) would be the ideal flag of a united Ireland. – Yours, etc,

DERMOT ASHMORE,

Dalkey,

Co Dublin.