Madam, - Like Ian Cox (Letters Oct 26th), I too reject Martin Mansergh's self-appointed role as spokesperson for the Protestant community in the Republic. Mr Mansergh is a revisionist,whereby items from the past are changed fundamentally to agree with the generally accepted narrative of the present.
His views certainly do not reflect my experience as a Protestant growing up in West Cork.
Our old and honourable traditions declined markedly since independence from the UK.
We have been unable to fully celebrate and maintain our diverse heritage.
The formation, definition and national identity of this State was based on a Roman Catholic and Gaelic tradition.
In this exclusive nationalist identity the vast majority of the Protestant community felt alienated. Our cultural differences were suppressed in a hostile environment.
This repression has caused and maintained silence over our cultural demise.
The combination of the political, media, sporting and educational system has selectively displayed a cultural and historical amnesia towards us.
This revisionism was in order to try and assimilate us into this mono-cultural identity.
Today, few Protestants would want to be quoted by name, in public, if they are saying something even slightly contentious or, dare I say, "pro-British".
When they do have the confidence to speak, they are met with either suspicion, ridicule or contempt and are fearful of a more subtle, isolated persecution.
For a quiet life we have said nothing.
I prefer our identity to be viewed within the wider Irish context and in a wider, diversely multi-ethnic British Isles, as opposed to the narrow nationalist mindset portrayed by Mr Mansergh.
It is time, as Mr Cox suggests, for Irish Protestants and those of a broader mindset to make their voices heard in order to make amends for the marginalisation of our diverse identity within Ireland and these islands in general. - Yours, etc,
IAN BEAMISH, Monaleen, Limerick.