Sir, - Of course Irish people would like to see the language kept alive, but not to use a politically correct "in" word - "proactively", more as "let those who wish to, do it". Witness 6,000 viewers of TnaG.
It is hardly surprising, at a time when nationalism with a small n becomes nationalism with a big "n", that more people who deplore the murder committed in their name should seek to identify with a less virulent aspect of their cultural identity. Hence, I believe, the increase of which Ms Ni Cathilin writes.
The survey to which she refers is somewhat scarce on specifics. However, the bilingualism in our country (she asserts) is diluted by the fact she wrote her a letter as bearla.
My own experience of young people's, and indeed their parent's, aspiration is towards bilingualism. Their preference after the one they use - English - is French. - Yours, etc.,
Shrewsbury Park,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.