Sir,- Kevin Myers, in an Irishman's Diary (August 2nd), expressed due concern lest the commemorations next year of the 1798 Risings become selective and unbalanced. Like most periods in Irish history, 1798 was complex in the local and wider contexts. For example, those who resisted the rebels included yeomen consisting of tenants and their sons, recruited by local landlords in their capacity as magistrates. While some of our ancestors carried pikes, others may have enrolled in the infantry or cavalry.
From observing the bi-centenary of the French revolution being celebrated in a reasonably sensitive manner in the Vendee, I became aware that the revolution was brutal and unpopular there. While sharing Mr Myers's desire for a balanced approach to the bi-centenary of the 1798 risings, I consider that he may be jumping to conclusions in his anticipatory attitude. From recent visits to Wexford and South Wicklow, my impression was that in the South East and in Dublin a sensitive and inclusive approach to the commemorations is planned. - Yours, etc.,
Tony Quinn,
Dalkey, Co Dublin