Madam, - The rather pusillanimous remarks of An Taoiseach in the Dáil last week, when replying to a question on the status of Irish in the EU, seem to say something about Irish shame - the feeling that, in some sort of cultural, or administrative, or indeed moral way, we are inadequate.
We are not inadequate, only human. But by making "our" language a fully official language of the EU we will, in my opinion, go some distance in sorting out a certain national inferiority complex. For a start, we will be paying off a long-standing debt to the past. For the present, we will be recognising the equality of those who, like myself, speak, write, and dream in Irish every day - and every night. We will also be placing a small but not insignificant bet on the cultural gaming board of a new Europe. For once, let us speak well of, and for, ourselves - in both languages. - Yours, etc.,
LIAM MAC CÓIL, Ráth Cairn, Baile Átha Buí, An Mhí.