The fall of the Berlin wall

Madam, – Visiting Berlin shortly before the wall came down in 1989 I saw that it was covered with graffiti in many languages…

Madam, – Visiting Berlin shortly before the wall came down in 1989 I saw that it was covered with graffiti in many languages. One of the largest, beside the Brandenburg Gate read “Louise from Moneygall” under which was another saying “Where’s that?”. Of course I was tempted to add “In Offaly but hurl in Tipp” or ” next to Toomevara”, but didn’t.

I bought a postcard nearby showing this part of the wall complete with Louise’s artwork which I still have. I often wonder who Louise is and if she would like to have a copy of her artwork. Does anyone know? – Yours, etc,

MICHAEL HICKEY,

Knockowen Road,

Tullamore,

Co Offaly.

Madam, – In all the recent newspaper articles concerning the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I have been very disappointed that the name of former US president Ronald Reagan has not featured. Let us acknowledge and never forget that after eight years of his constant campaign against communism, the Soviet Union finally collapsed.Who could ever forget those wondrous words, “Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” – Yours, etc,

NORMAN LOWTHER,

Maywood Avenue,

Raheny,

Dublin 5.

Madam, – It would be wonderful if some part of the Western media when writing on the fall of the Berlin wall would remind readers that there were two primary reasons for building the wall by the East German government.    First, to keep dissident East Germans in East Germany and second, to keep out Western- paid provocateurs and Western dissidents who wanted a united Germany under Western control and the expansion  of capitalism. – Yours, etc,

VINCENT J LAVERY,

Coliemore Road,

Dalkey,

Co Dublin.