Madam, - It's amazing how the mere remembrance of Oliver Cromwell's name can prompt such caustic reactions from our many embittered armchair historians. Are we still so sardonic a nation that we cannot celebrate the achievements of Sir William Petty without dwelling on the deeds of his employer?
While I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Padraig McCarthy (April 18th) for any friends and family he may have lost in the 17th century, I respectfully suggest that he get over it. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL KELLY, Victoria Street, Portobello, Dublin 8.