Madam, - It seems ironic for Mr Seosamh Ó Cathail, with his Gaelic-style name, to object to your picture of Charles and Camilla (February 15th). In our Gaelic past, royalty was the only political form, and Charles' descent from his Gaelic ancestors is still reflected on the royal standard, with its red-on-yellow "Milesian" lion.
He adds: ". . .are we not ideologically opposed to anomalous institutions such as the concept of 'royalty'?" But surely it is none of our business to oppose any part of the political systems of Spain, Britain, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Holland, Norway and Denmark. Let us instead be quietly thankful for our occasionally elected presidency. - Yours, etc.
PATRICK GUINNESS,
Naas
Co Kildare.
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Madam, - I feel I must disagree with Seosamh Ó Cathail (February 15th). The Irish Times is perfectly entitled to put members of the British royal family on its front page. Indeed, as citizens of a democratic country we must recognise that other countries can choose their forms of government, heads of state and indeed conduct their law enforcement in a manner of their choosing.
For example, we would never appoint the head of the Catholic Church as our head of state. However, the people of Iran are free to do so. I wonder if The Irish Times had printed a picture of Ayatollah Khamenei on its front page would Mr. Ó Cathail have objected, or is it just one royal family in particular that he finds objectionable?
As for the historical significance, is it not high time that we stopped blaming people for the sins of their forefathers? - Yours, etc.,
COLM NICHOLAS MURPHY,
Campile,
New Ross,
Co Wexford.