A chara, – Joe Ahern (August 20th) suggests the insertion of the qualification "self-styled" when referring to the use by dissident groups of the title Óglaigh na hÉireann.
The title Óglaigh na hÉireann was coined by Piaras Béaslaí, biographer of Michael Collins, as the Irish version of the Irish Volunteers. It was the name given to the Army in the Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act 1923. Unlike An Garda Síochána, no attempt was made by the Army to popularise the official title, and the Army uses the title the Defence Forces. A well-conducted survey would show that most people would not recognise the title Óglaigh na hÉireann, and many would think that it referred to a dissident group. This has made it easy for dissident groups to appropriate the title by default. The solution lies in the Army using its official title. – Yours, etc,
PEADAR
Mac MAGHNAIS,
Baile Átha Cliath 5.