Sir, – John A Murphy ("Why we should be wary of Sinn Féin in government", Opinion & Analysis, July 9th) rightly criticises Sinn Féin for its refusal to refer to Northern Ireland by its correct title.
However, in the same issue of The Irish Times, I see references to the "North's Equality Commission" (page 5) and the "North's First Minister" (page 7). – Yours, etc,
LIAM DUNNE,
Dunraven Downs,
Blackrock Road,
Cork.
Sir, – John A Murphy suggests that “we are all republicans now”. Things may be slightly more complex than this allows. Has John Bruton’s latest pro-Redmondite broadside not shown that there are still one or two home rulers knocking around as well? – Yours, etc,
MARTIN RYAN,
Springlawn Close,
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Sir, – John A Murphy in his bizarre attack on Sinn Féin informs us that the correct usage and legal form for the name of the 26-county state is the “Republic of Ireland”. The name is Éire or Ireland. Use of the informal “South” or “26 Counties” is entirely practical so as to differentiate between Ireland the island and Ireland the state.
The only time the term “Republic of Ireland” is used to describe the state is when the national soccer team plays Fifa-administered competitions or friendlies. Up until 1953 both national soccer teams on the island played using the name “Ireland”. Fifa instructed the football governing bodies in both jurisdictions to cease using the name “Ireland” as it was causing confusion. All other national organisations, sporting or otherwise, operate under the correct name “Ireland”. – Yours, etc,
CÍAN CARLIN,
Priory Road,
London.