Sir, - We will suitably celebrate 1798, and our romantic attachment to it, on its 200th anniversary next year.
But let's not forget that the first real transfer of power to the people happened one hundred years later in 1898 with the passing in Westminster of the Local Government for Ireland Act. The establishment of county councils let us see how democracy worked and created solid foundations for a later independent state in this part of the island.
I hope the Minister for the Environment and county managers have plans in place worthy of the centenary. One hundred years of local government that has served the people well is worth celebrating. - Yours, etc.,
Ranelagh, Dublin 6.