Sir, - From a page of The Irish Times sent to me from Ireland I read with deep sadness of the death of the patriot and former politician Noel Browne. Memories of his life and times came flooding back as I read Dick Walsh's assessment of this great figure in Irish public life - his remarkable achievements as Health Minister and the storms raised by the Mother and Child Bill in 1951.said we have lived more lives than one.
Noel Browne was a romantic figure in the true sense, fighting against all the reactionary forces of the time, unflinching in his principles, triumphing and living to see his legacy of a more liberal and outgoing society. Not alone was he responsible for a great leap forward in health and in political and social life, he was instrumental in putting backbone in a population too apt to leave judgment in all matters to their lay and religious superiors.
He achieved more in his brief period in government office than most other office holders in a life-time, leaving an enduring imprint on Irish public life. From the heart of this great socialist country of China I should like to pay this. tribute to the man and his legacy. Yours, etc.,
Chongqing Institute of Communications,
Chongqing,
China.