Sir, – I suggest a new Irish flag design be tasked to the generation of Irish people born after the signing of the Belfast Agreement in 1998, thus freeing them to come up with a modern flag free of overt historical -isms, exclusionary political and sectarian baggage, manipulated social division and hate.
This generation have been nurtured free of the outrages of murders and mayhem in Ireland – North and South – that are indelibly seared into the consciousness of the older generation, and can approach the task free of that baggage.
This generation can design an emblem reflective of their generation – modern, inclusive, confident, tolerant and talented. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS FINN,
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Cappataggle,
Ballinasloe,
Co Galway.
A chara, – The debate on unity, flags and emblems was next to the editorial in Wednesday's edition. As the debate flags, I'm sure you will take it down from the mast. – Is mise,
EOGHAN MacCORMAIC,
Cill Chríost,
Gaillimh.
Sir, – Ideally, the four cantons flag (Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht), which is carried proudly by Irish sports teams abroad, could become the national flag. – Yours, etc,
DERMOT ASHMORE,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Emerald green, with an Orange sash. What could be simpler? – Yours, etc,
PADDY McDONALD,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – The harp seems to be an acceptable cross-community symbol of the island. It can be of a hue that may be interpreted as orange or gold, depending on one’s persuasion.
Given that we are globally acknowledged as the Emerald Isle, a green background makes sense, somewhat complicated by the fact that there are 40 shades to choose from. – Yours, etc,
RONAN McDERMOTT,
Rathgar,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – In Ulysses, James Joyce expressed his own ideas for a new flag: “when the first Irish battleship is seen breasting the waves with our own flag to the fore, none of your Henry Tudor’s harps, no, the oldest flag afloat, the flag of the province of Desmond and Thomond, three crowns on a blue field, the three sons of Milesius”. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Dhún na nGall.