A chara, - Frank Meehan (August 9th) argues that the national flag should be abandoned as Sinn Féin/IRA have sought to associate it with their campaigns, and that it is now unequivocally associated with violence and hatred. While his arguments are well intended, the idea that our flag should be given away or surrendered to those who have brought nothing but shame to this island is ridiculous.
Like most other Irish men and women, I am filled with a deep abhorrence of the violence of recent decades. I am an Irishman. The national flag is my flag. Instead of a spineless abandonment of a flag that symbolises peace and reconciliation, the ordinary and decent people of Ireland should stand up and defend it.
It is time for us to take our flag back from those who have done their best to destroy it. This can best be achieved by flying it with pride, not surrendering it. - Is mise,
SÉAMUS Ó CONAILL, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.