Madam, – I hope that intending candidates for the forthcoming Presidential election watched President McAleese closely and asked themselves if they could put in as stunning a performance. A hard act to follow. Thank you, President McAleese. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – My grandfather fought on the Somme in 1916, having joined up in 1915, so I am particularly interested in the national reinterpretation of what is a part of my personal history. President McAleese made mention at the banquet in Dublin Castle of Irishmen fighting in British uniforms.
Given that, at the time in question, Ireland was part of the UK, surely the uniforms were as much Irish as British? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Youth rioted in the streets of an otherwise empty Dublin city centre in protest against the Queen’s visit. Whereas your paper reports (Home News, May 20th) that in Cork locals painted a giant sign, replete with royal crest, to welcome her. No mention is made of flag-waving, yet it seems it’s time to reassess who are the rebels and who are the jackeens. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Never has one so renowned been seen by so few. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – What a professional display by the Defence Forces during the Queen’s visit. Their contribution was of the highest standard and reflects well on Ireland.
In these difficult times they send out, to the world, a much- needed positive image of Ireland. On the occasion of JFK’s visit, many years ago, they also captured the admiration of the Americans. It is heartening to see that at least this arm of the State continues to be one which we should all be proud of. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Should we now cancel the proposed presidential election? We have been offered, and appear to have accepted with open arms, a new head of State. If this was an invasion of the Republic by a foreign power, it was done by stealth. Queen Elizabeth learned from Pope John Paul, (also the second) that if you speak a little Gaelic to the Irish people they will be like putty in your hands. And so it proved; our present head of State was even heard to respond “Wow”. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – One of the most common objections to the proposal that Ireland resume its membership of the Commonwealth – an organisation the Irish Free State did so much to shape into an association of independent states – is that it is headed by the reigning British monarch. Having seen Her Majesty in action in Ireland last week we can now appreciate why an organisation composed largely of republics is happy for Queen Elizabeth II to reign over them as a symbol of their shared commitment to freedom, independence and mutual understanding. – Yours, etc,