The islands of Ireland

Madam, - Aine Ní Chonáill of the Immigration Control Platform (January 6th) refers to the words in Article 2 of the Constitution…

Madam, - Aine Ní Chonáill of the Immigration Control Platform (January 6th) refers to the words in Article 2 of the Constitution, "the island of Ireland".

The expression "the island of Ireland" is constitutionally irregular and geographically incorrect. The word "Ireland" embraces not only the insular mainland but also Rathlin, Tory, Achill, Valentia and many other salt- and fresh-water-girt localities - including, it may well be, Rockall. Article 2 of the Irish Constitution is in need of topographical revision. - Yours, etc.,

Prof G.L. HUXLEY, MRIA, c/o Buswell's Hotel, Dublin 2.