Sir, - Eoin Neeson (August 22nd), in his article on Roger Casement asks: "Why, of all the 1916 leaders, was he hounded?"
The case of Seβn MacBride may offer a clue. When he died, the establishment media mouth pieces (Telegraph and Times), had leading articles attacking the international reputation of the Irish statesman. In response, Ulick O'Connor lodged a formal complaint with the Press Council, but to no avail.
What did Casement and MacBride share in common? Both humanitarians were at once nationalists and internationalists. Most of the 1916 leaders were nationalists only. As such, they were not seen as serious threats to imperial interests in the international arena. Yet the later example of Michael Collins inspired independence movements far beyond Ireland. - Yours, etc.,
J. A. Barnwell, St Patrick's Road, Dublin 9.