Madam, - I abhor Pat O'Connor's attempt at moral blackmail (July 9th) in trying to link my comments on Irish sovereignty with the horrific London bombings. His exploitation of the bombings in order to promote his agenda is despicable.
He uses the term "right-thinking Irishmen and Irishwomen" in a feeble attempt to seize the moral high ground, while failing utterly to debate the issues I have raised, in a cogent manner. Such linguistic elitism cannot stifle the voices of those with a different viewpoint.
My comments of July 6th on the diminution of Irish independence and sovereignty stand on their own merits. Ireland must assert its sovereignty on its own terms, and refuse to compromise its independence.
It is wholly unacceptable that the Irish State should align itself with Britain's military tradition, and this includes honouring Queen Elizabeth at the battle of Trafalgar "celebrations". - Yours, etc,
MARK URWIN,
Court Farm,
Mulhuddart,
Dublin 15.