Madam, - Kevin Myers, observing the relative economic decline of Scotland in relation to The Republic of Ireland over the past decade and a half, makes the following observation: "The respective fates of the countries has been in part a vindication of total Irish political separatism, and a reminder that wealth, if taken for granted, can soon pass" (An Irishman's Diary, February 8th).
Is Mr Myers not in danger of contradicting himself? Recently he excoriated the leaders of the 1916 Rising, an event that can be viewed as the historical catalyst for total Irish political separatism and as a consequence the genesis of the prosperity currently enjoyed by the populace in the 26 counties. - Yours, etc,
SEAN WHELAN, Ormond Keep, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.