Sir, - Peter Smithwick (January 22nd) puts forward the fact that Edward Fitzgerald's will begins with the words "I, Lord Edward Fitzgerald" as evidence that he resumed the use of this title after he had renounced it in 1792. I presume this formulation was employed because it was believed (rightly or wrongly) that it was a legal requirement.
Fitzgerald did not use this title after 1792. He did not change his mind on this or other questions but remained true to his principles to the bitter end. - Yours, etc.,
Seamus O Brogain, Corbawn Drive, Shankill, Co Dublin.