The former Taoiseach Mr Reynolds has supported a call by a newspaper in Longford to save the "Longford drawl". The Longford News complained last week that the local accent is being replaced by a cross "between a Dublin 4 semi-posh and a Ronan Keating twang".
While Longford had progressed beyond recognition over the past year, few people realised that they were in the process of losing one of the most important aspects of their local heritage, the newspaper said.
"Conservationists and An Taisce are doing a great job as public watchdogs of our famous buildings and landmarks, preserving them for generations to come.
"But no one is doing one precious thing about possibly our most unique and distinctive local cultural asset - the Longford accent.
"What has happened to the legendary Longford drawl?
"Soon nobody will know where you come from when you ask for a cup of coffee instead of cawfee, as in Longfordese.
"The Dublin Road is fast becoming the Dublin `Rowed' and when something is pretty good, it is becoming pretty god.
"We say, hold on to and cherish your Longford accent - we have changed to new money, we have joined the EEC and we are introducing the euro, but losing your true Longford identify is too high a price to pay." This week Mr Reynolds said he was very proud of his Longford accent which he had been told was very recognisable to all, whether on radio or telephone.
"I have never lost my accent or tried to hide it. It is very important to me. However, I am not so sure that the accent is under a great deal of threat," he said.
"It remains very strong in those younger people who have stayed in the county but I suppose when young people leave home and go to college or are educated outside the county, it may be lessened."
"As far as I am concerned, it is part of our heritage and I agree that it should be protected."