Sir, – Frank McNally’s most entertaining episode of “An Irishman’s Diary” (May 19th) on Biggar, Butt and bridges, also contained a somewhat more serious side.
McNally alluded to the current campaign by Dublin City Council to canvass suggestions for the naming of the new bridge under construction across the River Liffey from Marlborough Street at Eden Quay to connect with Hawkins Street at Burgh Quay. McNally’s favoured name choice for the bridge is the former Irish Times columnist, novelist and satirist Myles na gCopaleen.
However, the front runners to date appear to be between Marino’s Bram Stoker of Dracula fame and the late Ronnie Drew of the Dubliners.
I wish to submit an alternative to both of these admittedly deserving offerings. I suggest the name “Proclamation Bridge”. As we near the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, what could be more appropriate than to honour collectively the seven signatories of the Proclamation who pledged their lives to the cause of Ireland’s freedom. This noble document guaranteed religious and civil liberty, equal rights and opportunities to all its citizens, and a commitment to cherish all the children of the nation equally.
The Proclamation was more than words on paper, it was an ideal which sought both the ending and beginning of Ireland’s past and future. It promised to make citizens of subjects and a republic to replace a monarchy.
The Proclamation is as relevant today as it was almost 100 years ago. It has never let us down, but we did not prove ourselves worthy of the “august destiny” to which we were called. – Yours, etc,