Madam, - I have been following the debate about the status of the Irish language within the institutions of the EU with some interest. I cannot speak the language and as I get older that fact becomes one for increasing regret, as the Irish language is fast becoming the only characteristic that separates us from the rest of this planet's population.
It is one of the few remaining positive qualities that one can associate with being Irish. Despite this, I would count it a flagrant misuse of resources if European tax money were to be wasted on paying lip service to a language spoken by so few people.
As the planet shrinks one is continually exposed to different cultures. This exposure is enriching but unfortunately it contains the risk that culture may become globalised. Without difference, without contrast, there can only be uniformity, conformity, blandness and emptiness. As our nation speeds headlong into mediocrity, gombeenism and consumerism, it is only our culture that can be relied on to mark us out as Kerry men or Irish women or Europeans. A language is the breath of a culture. Without it, we are left with cold, sterile nationalism with its lines on maps, car bombs and barbed wire.
It is not, however, the responsibility of our European partners to give patronising credence to the notion that we are a bi-lingual people, when we are patently not. It is not even the remit of our witless politicians and administrators to either facilitate or encourage us in the use of Irish.
For it is only as individuals that we should explore those aspects of our culture that may define us. It is only as individuals that we should decide to engage in those aspects of our culture that show us to be unique. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL BOWLER, Charvey Court, Rathnew, Co Wicklow.