Madam, - This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National University of Ireland, which played such a seminal part in the political, educational and social evolution of this State.
Its establishment with the Irish Universities Bill of 1908 was achieved under difficult and contentious circumstances and owes a great deal to the diplomacy and commitment of the chief secretary for Ireland at the time, Augustine Birrell.
Previous chief secretaries perceived this position in the British cabinet as a poisoned chalice and rarely remained for more than a few years. To many of them it was a step in political preferment. Birrell remained for nine years.
He had a deep affection for Ireland. He was devoid of personal ambition and his constant concern was to solve residual land problems and to introduce home rule.
His long service to Anglo-Irish relations ended in humiliation and political disgrace as he bore the brunt of the blame for the 1916 Rising.
Why are we not celebrating the centenary of the National University? Is there some disunion within our three main constituent colleges?
As a long-term graduate of UCD, I believe the tenuous connection between UCD and Newman's University, celebrated so amply in 2005, is less important than acknowledging the very roots of the colleges in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Maynooth.
Birrell was belatedly honoured by the senate of the National University in 1929. Should we not celebrate the centenary of his foundation and should the State not now show maturity and magnanimity by honouring the founder of our four colleges as part of our recognition of his important contribution to our country? - Yours, etc,
RISTEÁRD MULCAHY, The Palms, Roebuck Road, Dublin 14.