Sir, - The vexing question of Commonwealth membership (M. D. Kennedy, January 7th), the irritation of the British Honours List (D. McKenna, January 8th) together with the cri de coeur from Coiste Naisiunta na Milaoise desperately seeking a project for Year 2000 (January 8th) can surely all be satisfied by re-establishing our own politically and religiously neutral monarchy. My Irish history was always a bit dodgy, but I seem to remember that in the good old days there was not just one, but several monarchs, so there must be several present-day contenders waiting in the wings for nomination as Queen of Ireland.
Having a referendum to choose a suitable member of the Irish nobility before the year's end would introduce an Irish renaissance not seen since the year 1000. What more suitable Y2K project?On second thoughts, perhaps it would be a good idea to have a democratic monarchy, a fresh referendum each 50 years, so that quarrels and disagreements would not spawn multiple contenders for the throne. With our own Queen of Ireland we could then join the Commonwealth of Nations with equal majesty - if they don't curtsey to ours we won't curtsey to theirs.An Irish monarchy could also serve to tidy up a few loose ends from history. All these royal colleges, academies, hospitals, golf clubs, yacht clubs, institutions and societies that litter the Republic's telephone book would no longer look like so many embarrassing remnants. Once again they would have a royal hub to give them credibility. The same would apply to our various noble families that seem rather lonely with a sun to orbit. So what about it, ladies and gentlemen? Let's enter the new millennium with our own list (there are plenty of people out there, who deserve our State's recognition with a gong or two) and create a politically neutral force. This would play an important role in the judiciary, the military and the field of academia. For this brilliant idea I would be glad to accept the hereditary title of duke, count or even earl, since this would further my career as a mediocre jazz musician. - Yours, etc.,David Dowsett,Wesley Heights,Dundrum,Dublin 16.