Sir, – As I am engaged in some historical research and have cause to peruse the archives of your very own newspaper. I am struck by a major event exercising the country exactly 100 years ago: the Home Rule Bill about to be introduced into the House of Commons and the genuinely exciting prospect that this country may have some measure of independence after almost a millennium of foreign control.
There was also, of course, the small story of the White Star liner about to make her maiden voyage, but that was the sole concern of her owners and passengers.
Fast forward to 2012. Which of these stories is going to find its way onto the covers, pull-out magazines, weekend supplements of today’s newspapers? The prospect of real Irish sovereignty or the glamorous millionaire’s floating palace? No contest. – Yours, etc,