Sir, - I have just returned from a journey through several European countries, during which I read many newspapers. Consequently, I am struck by the way your journalists habitually refer to the Republic of Ireland as "this State" or write "in the State" (meaning the Republic). Such usage is unique in Europe. The parallel usage in other republics is to write "the Republic" or "the Federal Republic" (as the case may be) - these terms being acknowledged abbreviations for the full title of the State.
It is a pity to see Irish journalists not naming their own republic as respectfully as French, German or Slovak journalists name theirs. There is something browbeaten, colonised and rude about "this State" and "in the State". It recalls Louis MacNeice's phrase, "the Irish slouch". - Yours, etc.,
Newbridge,
Co Kildare.
Dr Fennell misinterprets our usage and house style. "The State" is used, among other reasons, to differentiate between this jurisdiction and the island of Ireland- 32 counties. - Ed., I.T.