Sir, - Vincent Keogh (August 18th) seems to be of the opinion that by 1916 "the Irish had no sense of nationhood, no awareness of themselves as a people." This seems quite an astonishing assertion considering that the country almost descended into civil war in 1912 over notions of nation and nationality which were contested by the two traditions of nationality that prevailed in Ireland - a point which Mr Keogh may, perhaps, find difficult to concede.
To illuminate the fact that the Irish "had no sense of nationhood", Mr Keogh cites the fact that Irishmen served in the British Army. In particular he quotes Tom Barry. Mr Keogh may not be aware of this, but just prior to the Famine 42 per cent of the British Army was Irish, making Irishmen the most represented nationality in the British Army, even more so than the English. Also, there are still four Irish regiments in the British Army, each of which is very aware and proud of its Irish identity. Mr Keogh should keep in mind that Irish nationality and identity is a much contested thing and means different things to different people, all of whom are equally Irish.
As for Mr Keogh's assertion that Britain was ejected from almost all her colonies militarily, it is quite incorrect. When Britain disengaged from empire after the second World War it was mainly due to economic considerations. Quite simply, empire was too expensive to maintain. Where conflict did occur it took the shape of Britain attempting to prevent conflict between groups who hoped to fill the political vacuum created by the withdrawal of British administration, albeit supporting those that best represented British interests. When Britain disengaged from empire, she maintained strong economic and diplomatic links with many of the countries which still benefit Britain today.
Ironically, the US is the only country that comes to mind which militarily defeated the British Empire (with considerable French assistance), after which the empire entered its greatest phase of expansion.
In short, one should be aware of the subtleties of history before using the past to justify political dogma and received thinking on the past. - Yours, etc.,
Westley Forsythe, Harbour View, Camden Road, Crosshaven, Co Cork.