Sir, - As an American student of Irish, I am continually amazed at the obstinacy displayed by Irish citizens, such as Tom Higgins and Theresa Dunne of Co Wicklow, with regard to their national language.
Contrary to popular opinion, the rejection of Irish is not modern or progressive. It rather ignores a growing international sensitivity to the condition of lesser-used languages, embodied by the European Charter on Regional and Minority Languages.
Education in Irish is more than a duty. It is a privilege - one that many of us here in America would be thankful for. - Yours, etc.,
Brian ╙ Dubhghaill, Chicago, Illinois, USA.