A chara, - I visited the site of Expo '98 in Lisbon last May as part of our remote preparation for a visit to Expo '98 by our students, who are part of a very successful exchange project with our Portuguese partner schools. I noted the national flags of all our European neighbours indicating their intended participation in the event. To my amazement and embarrassment the Irish Tricolour was missing. On my return, the students and I wrote to the former Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, expressing our concern at Ireland's absence and the hope that Ireland would be present at Expo '98. No reply was received.
Given our island status and our strong European links, I hope that, even at this late stage, Ireland will reconsider its position and take its rightful place among the nations of Europe in 1998. - Yours, etc.,
Priomhoide, St Michael's Boys' Primary School, Trim, Co Meath.