Madam, – James Creane ponders the correct pronunciation of Fine Gael (June 22nd).
When I was an active member, I always heard it called “Finn-ah Gay/el” within the Dublin region. Mr Creane mentions the other pronunciation of Fine as in “fine weather” (sidestepping the punning possibilities of “gale” and weather). A cousin of mine from the west of Ireland referred to it that way, but as she was vehemently of a different persuasion we always thought she was being disparaging.
Others, of course, continue the weather motif and refer to the party as “that shower”. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Whatever about the correct pronunciation of Fine Gael, it’s certainly not Fin Gael. – Yours, etc,