Sir, I am not at all concerned with the geographical, historical or political arguments surrounding this subject. The facts are that I was born in Ireland, I live in Ireland and I wish to be regarded as Irish. I have no wish to be regarded as any other than Irish most I do emphatically, not wish to be regarded as British.
Therefore, like your correspondent William Graham, I too am offended by the use of the words "British Isles" when referring to the islands of Britain and Ireland. Similarly, I resent the attempt to imply subservient status by the use of the word "mainland" when referring to the island of Britain in an Irish context.
Much has been said in recent years about the need to improve relations between Britain and Ireland. This is, of course, a most laudable objective with which I agree wholeheartedly. In my opinion, a small but significant contribution towards this desirable end could be made if all people in Britain, who write or speak about Ireland in the media, were to recognise one simple fact.
That fact is that Ireland is not part of Britain. Acceptance of this reality would remove from the language of British commentators some of the more offensive terms which are all too frequently seen and heard at present. Yours, etc., (Mr), Silchester Park, Glenageary, Co Dublin.