Sir, - Congratulations to The Irish Times on the appointment of Mr Sean MacConnell as Midlands Correspondent - a first, I think, for Irish newspapers. I have for many years held the view that the midland counties have lost out economically and otherwise due to an inability to portray the area as a distinct region like the West, the Mid-West, the South, etc. The Midlands lack a true regional identity.
While I have not seen the terms of reference of your new correspondent, I hope he will be confined to the traditional midland counties of Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois. RTE has had a midlands correspondent for many years, but with the greatest of respect to the many fine reporters who held that brief, they more often than not appeared as roving utility substitutes covering stories in places as far apart as Dundalk, Nenagh, Monaghan, Roscommon and Carlow.
Let's hope The Irish Times Midlands Correspondent remains firmly rooted and does not wander too far off course. There's lots happening here. - Yours, etc.,
Portlaoise, Co Laois.