To: lettersed@irishtimes.com
Madam
I wish someone would advise your London Editor, Mark Hennessy (November 6) that the voters of the 26 Counties, in a democratic exercise, enacted a new Constitution in 1937 which abolished the Irish Free State, and that neither they nor anyone else has reestablished it.They might further advise him that they required fidelity to the Irish nation from all citizens.The Irish State did not conscript its Defence Forces, whose volunteers swore allegiance to Ireland as free men.
Those who deserted dishonoured their solemn oaths. Those deserters who joined foreign armies, to later return and expect to be trusted in the Irish public service had brass necks.
Those who served in Singapore or Burma were hardly champions of democracy, as democracy was not on Britain’s agenda in the Far East, anymore than in Africa, or, come to think of it in Derry, Fermanagh .or Tyrone.
Neither Vichy France nor de Gaulle’s Free French dissident republicans had democracy or colonial freedom on their agenda. Singing the Marseillaise in Casablanca may be dramatic, but as a reflection of the ambient sentiment as false as singing God Save the Queen in Crossmaglen.
As for the USA, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas were hardly models of democracy.
Ireland may have been remiss in many things under De Valera but the Allies were in no position to lecture him on democracy and human rights.
Nor is Mr Hennessy qualified to heap insults on the memory of Irishmen and women faithful to their country and their oaths.
Donal Kennedy
LONDON
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