Sir, - The Irish nation of 70 million people will not be strengthened simply by cherishing a special affinity to Ireland for those overseas (Paul Gillespie's stimulating World View of January 22nd). Establishing networks to strengthen ties with the homeland is, at bottom, narcissistic.
We in Ireland are busily engaged in redefining and remaking ourselves and our institutions. Old assumptions are being challenged and new arrangements, better suited to contemporary circumstances, are being put in place. Why not take an equally pragmatic view of the Irish diaspora? Let the Irish nation be expressed through as many Irish experiences as possible, not just of those living in Ireland. And let us use these experiences to contribute positively to the betterment of ourselves and the rest of humankind.
For example, the predominant Irish experience of the past century - initially among those who emigrated and, more recently, among we who stayed or returned - is that of making our way out of poverty. In lifting ourselves up, often against the odds, to healthy, prosperous, satisfying lives, we have found solutions to many difficulties. These could provide lessons of great value to other millions on the planet who have not yet found their own paths out of poverty.
Concentrating on such practical issues would be much more interesting then establishing some dull, official Irish version of a World Council of Hellenes Abroad. Linking up our collective experiences would create instead a galaxy of all our talent that could shine humane light into some of the contemporary world's dark corners. Wouldn't our forebears, cast friendless upon an alien shore, have welcomed such a helping hand from strangers? - Yours, etc.,
Dr Brian Scott, Executive Director, Oxfam Ireland, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.