A chara, – I refer to Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan’s decision to wear a poppy in Leinster House (Home News, November 7th). While it is reasonable to commemorate those who died in what Mr Feighan refers to as the “Great Wars”, it is worth noting that the reality of the Poppy Appeal itself is somewhat more sinister.
Since the earliest years of this practice, all proceeds from the sale of poppies have gone to the British Legion, and from there to retired or incapacitated British soldiers, or the families of those killed in British military engagements. Those who support it are reminded that among the latter have been no small number of atrocities committed in Ireland.
The wearing of this emblem anywhere in our country is therefore offensive to many Irish people, and in Dáil Éireann, is truly abhorrent. – Is mise,
Dr GARETH P KEELEY,
Briarfield Grove,
Kilbarrack, Dublin 5.