Madam, - The Irish flag speciously represents hope for peace and convivial harmony for the green and orange folk of the island.
By implication, and more pertinently, it recalls the bitter and blooded strife in the North, something which, now a political resolution has been reached, is better forgotten. Now Northern Ireland is effectively another country; and so is the Republic.
The Tricolour was inspired by the French Revolution and the French tricolour. It reminds us of revolution, and implies our forced servitude. It represents what James Joyce wished to flee in order to achieve personal integrity: when we gaze upon it, it is like looking into the "cracked looking glass of a servant".
Is this the spirit of Ireland? Is this, indeed, a flag that we as a nation desire to represent us? It represents part of our heritage, and will always have a place in the history books, but it is a part of our heritage that was forced upon us by the colonists. I would like to see a flag representing a part of our heritage for which we are known for the better: that which springs from within, the spirit.
Ireland has long been known as a magical island of spirit and song. The older, less politicised flag might be more appropriate. I refer to the flag of pure green, with a gold harp. This celebrates the true spirit of Ireland - harmony, music and nature.
Let us reclaim our true heritage, lost for the best part of a dark and inharmonious millennium. - Yours, etc,
CONOR GRAHAM, St Augustine Street, Galway.