Sir, - I enjoyed the interesting Irishman's Diary of October 23rd by Bill O'Neill. It was a fascinating account of the multifaceted career of that great parliamentarian "Wee" Joe Devlin.
Bill O'Neill highlighted many aspects of the career of this remarkable man. I would mention one more accomplishment. Devlin was the only person who ever defeated de Valera in an election. In the Sinn Fein landslide of 1918, "Wee" Joe held the West Belfast seat for the Irish Party - and that in the most unpromising of circumstances. I believe this was the only time in 60 years of public life that Dev failed to be elected. He was, of course, elected in another constituency.
It was indeed a tribute to Devlin that he pipped "the Chief" at the post - in nationalist Belfast there was only one chief. - Yours, etc.,
Fr Iggy O'Donovan, Good Counsel College, New Ross, Co Wexford.