Madam, - Many hundreds (at least) of Irish citizens have made invaluable contributions to our nearest neighbour (and former coloniser) and, through it and many of its organisations, to the world. To deny them the gratitude they deserve is a form of begrudgery that is small-minded and petty.
As an Irish citizen, I would feel slighted if, for example, renowned British naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough or Governor General of Australia Sir William Patrick Deane had declined their honorary degrees from Trinity College, or if Nelson Mandela had felt himself obliged to rebuff the honour conferred on him of the Freedom of the City of Dublin, because they were granted by a country other than their own. Do Irish citizens reject Nobel laureates because those awards are Swedish?
Whether we like it or not, English/British occupation is a significant part of our history. Many of those we most venerate in our struggle for freedom, or in our national identity and history, have their origins on British soil. When our people distinguish themselves in other countries, we should celebrate with them the acknowledgement and gratitude they are awarded. - Yours, etc,
MARY MONKS
Vancouver,
Canada.