Sir, – The assertion by Stephen Collins that those who object to a royal presence at our 1916 commemorations are somehow "stuck in the past" might be true for some, but perhaps not all ("Don't let minority stuck in past take over 1916 events", Opinion & Analysis, May 24th).
There is the view that, to put it crudely, we’ve already “kissed and made up”. And that any further displays of affection might cast us as a pair of love-struck teenagers, making up after a protracted and painful tiff. “I’m sorry.” “No, really, it was all my fault.” “I love you.” “No, I love you more. “You hang up.” “You hang up first.”
Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Ireland was a resounding success, as was the President’s return visit to Britain. The speeches have been made, the hands have been shaken. A royal presence at a uniquely Irish commemoration might prompt some to call on our respective governments to “get a room!” I’m just not sure how comfortable I am with that image. – Yours, etc,
OLAN McGOWAN,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.