Sir, I consider that I was privileged to accompany Paddy Harte, Glenn Barr, Garret FitzGerald and others to the Somme for our special Remembrance Day Service of Reconciliation. Readers may be aware that I have frequently taken issue with Garret (particularly in relation to the Anglo Irish Agreement) but I am pleased to avail of this opportunity to register my appreciation of his excellent column (November 6th) which bears reference to the above event.
Unlike Garret, Mary Holland (November 14th) was not at the Somme on November 11th and, as a consequence, is unable to comment at first hand about what transpired there. Garret's column is informed and inspiring in that he does not strive to trivialise or sensationalise the wearing of poppies and the actual Remembrance Service.
I believe that I was fortunate to participate in this special Service of Remembrance and I am confident that it may prove to have long term implications for the future of communal relationships on this island. The very fact that, at last after 80 years, we have managed to establish a dialogue about remembrance of the First World War is in itself a most encouraging development. - Yours, etc.,
Greendell,
Millbrook Park,
Altnagelvin,
Londonderry BT47 3QH.