DAMIEN FLINTER,
Sir, - As what David Rose (September 9th) terms "a citizen of the secessionist 26 counties" I am encouraged that he finds any of us and our attitudes "laughable". A sense of humour often indicates a capacity for transcendence, something that long-suffering corner of this island could do with more of, all round.
I find it harder to agree with his equating KAT ("Kill All Taigs") slogans with the counter-brickbat "Brits Out" of extreme militant nationalism. My understanding has been that the former is a straightforward call for the physical termination of all Catholics/ nationalists, while the latter is a crude battle-cry for the removal of an occupying military force, though I accept the acts of both sets of warrior cultures leave little to distinguish them at their worst extremes.
He is surely on spongy ground when contending that the abuse of pre-teen children attempting to access an education "was a symptom of green imperialism".
It is certainly valid to indict de Valera for right-wing dictatorial tendencies, though I would have thought more on the Spanish Falangist than the Italian Fascist or German Nazi model. But surely Mr Rose would accept that when it came to practical applications of "neutrality", it was Allied airmen who were returned while Axis captives were detained. He also included the execution of no few nationalists in his complex strategies to retain power.
Yes, we are slow to grow up and acknowledge our failings. But we retain our own loyalty to the veracious rather than voracious use of the Queen's English - in which loyalty lies any chance there might be of achieving some eventual "conciliation". - Yours, etc.,
DAMIEN FLINTER,
Clifden,
Co Galway.