Sir, – Is it just a coincidence that the four countries which reached the semi-finals of the European Championship were all ruled by fascist dictators during the middle third of the 20th century? Or did this experience somehow instil unshakeable ethnic self-belief, invincible national pride and a disciplined determination to defeat the opposition?
On the other hand, of the 16 qualifiers, Ireland is the only country that has enjoyed an unbroken history, since the mid-20th century, as a democratic republic – and we finished a dismal last! What do we need to change: our players, our manager or our political system? – Yours, etc,