Sir, – I wish to thank Miriam Lord for her uplifting, positive, and optimistic piece on the citizenship celebrations (Front page, February 3rd). It was a stark contrast to the other two headlines and the only positive thing on the whole page unless you are a Clongowes supporter!
I live and work in Rathmines and passed several family groups all dressed up in their Sunday best on their way to the celebration. Their excitement and happiness was palpable and it made me appreciate my “Irishness” – normally taken for granted.
It was a revelation to see people so happy to join our team, a team obviously worth joining. It would be great if we could instil this enthusiasm for being Irish into all of us! Alan Shatter should be commended for setting up these celebrations to recognise the significance of attaining citizenship. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Thank you: Miriam Lord’s inspiring report on the New Irish deserved its place on the Front page (February 3rd). History has landed us in a bad place. Yet many here are buckling down and getting on with life as best they can. And now we find that thousands want to be part of this challenge – to become Irish citizens. Is there any way I could formally renew my citizenship? I want to wear one of those Tricolour lapel pins. – Yours, etc,