Sir, - Frank Desmond (January 1st/3rd) misrepresents your Editorial of December 30th. This noble tribute included the words: "Ireland ... owes much to the many heroes of the 20th century - those who gave it political independence, cultural rediscovery and economic well-being. But it owes no greater debt than to the man who insisted that living for Ireland is better than dying for it; that it is more challenging of the human spirit to learn to live with one's adversaries than to subdue them; that when people sit to reason together, nothing lies beyond their capacities. John Hume has wrought the very basis of Ireland's future."
Mr Desmond tries to justify his criticism by quoting the German writer Berthold Brecht (18981956): "Unhappy the land that needs heroes."
In the 12-volume Oxford English Dictionary there are five definitions of the word "hero". If the quotation from Brecht is to make any sense he must have referred to definition No 2: "A man distinguished by extraordinary valour and martial achievements...an illustrious warrior". John Hume is a man of peace and is certainly not a belligerent "warrior".
As definition No 3 of "hero" is perfectly worthy of John Hume and of The Irish Times Editorial, I shall quote it in full:
"A man who exhibits extraordinary bravery, firmness, fortitude or greatness of soul, in any course of action, or in connection with any pursuit, work or enterprise; a man admired and venerated for his achievements and noble qualities".
I couldn't put it better myself! - Yours, etc., Daithi P. Hanly,
Vico Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin.