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Sir, - Surely it is beyond dispute that the Irish national emblem is much too well established both at home and abroad to be …

Sir, - Surely it is beyond dispute that the Irish national emblem is much too well established both at home and abroad to be either disposed of or in any way tampered with at this stage of its unimpeachable history? It is not only beautiful in its simplicity, but matchless in its significance. With forty shades of green at our disposal, the potential for variation in its presentation should prove sufficient to answer even the most discerning of tastes.To be critical of Exhibit "B", as presented on the front page of the September 19th supplement, might serve only to enflame the sensibilities of those commissioned to undertake the project. But there can be no circumstances which might justify a departure from the ethic enshrined in the original, and which so nobly identifies with the patron saint of our country.As I viewed the latest offering, I was reminded of the man who stood gazing admiringly at a picture in an art gallery, when he was suddenly disturbed by the curator who, offering apologies, proceeded to turn the picture the other way up. He simply explained that it had been hung incorrectly.Upon mature reflection, however, perhaps after all this new submission represents a pretty faithful expression of how grossly debased our cherished emblem has become, as typifying life and thought, since it was presented to us as an object lesson of merit. - Yours, etc.,Eric Dillon,Applewood Heights,Greystones,Co Wicklow.