Newton's Optic In which Newton Emerson sorts through some unused Battle of Trafalgar comme,oration letters
Madam - It is unacceptable that our defence forces should take part in a military ceremony with Britain. If our neutrality is to mean anything, it must mean a permanent state of hostility towards our neighbours.
Anne Phoblacht, Dublin
Madam - What was the point of blowing up Nelson's column if we then line our ships up in a column for Nelson? Also, why are people filling up their cars at Shell forecourts just 83 years after the shelling of the Four Courts? This country makes me sick.
Bernadette Sandbank, Dundalk
Madam - And another thing. "Viscount" Horatio Nelson was a leading establishment figure in England before the Great Famine who also, rather conveniently, died before the great famine. Need I say more?
Anne Phoblacht, Dublin
Madam - Republicans have no business criticising Nelson. At least he got rid of half his arms.
Lee Ward, Monaghan
Madam - This State may well consider it appropriate to have its navy reviewed by the queen of England. However, only vessels bearing the legitimacy of the Second Dáil can be part of the true Irish Naval Service. Such vessels include the Marita Ann, the Eksund and possibly that boat the Revenue let Charlie Haughey keep to get out to his island.
Ferris Bugler, North Kerry.
Madam - May I just say how much my family and I enjoyed the Battle of Trafalgar commemorations. It was lovely to see so many tall ships from all over the world sailing around Hook Head. My husband even cracked open a bottle of Napoleon brandy!
Mary Rose, Waterford
Madam - Those who defaced the monument to Sir Frances Drake in Carrigaline should be applauded. Drake's defeat of the Spanish Armada at the Battle of Trafalgar opened the door to British imperialism in South America, of which the arrest of the Colombia 3 is only the latest outrage.
Prof Pat Answer, Department of History, UCD
Madam - How typical of the arrogant and triumphalist British to name their flagship Victory. But do people realise that Nelson's fleet also included the ships Bogtrotter, Stupid Paddy and Dirty Thieving Mick? Like so much of our painful history, these facts would be far better known if only they were true.
Séamus O'Pressed, Islington
Madam - Isn't this Battle of Trafalgar debate just lot of naval gazing?
Howard Stern, Finglas.
Madam - Ireland simply cannot enjoy a normal relationship with Britain while a territorial dispute remains outstanding, occupation forces patrol the six counties and I still live with my mother.
Howard Keele, Limerick
Madam -Whenever national debate turns to matters of naval combat in the age of sail, we old sea dogs are always asked the same question. Namely, what is the difference between a galleon and a galleass? The answer is quite simple. A galleon is a long, narrow warship with a lowered forecastle. A galleass is the back end of a galleon.
Rear Admiral Jack Tar (Retired), Athlone
Madam - It was such a pleasure to see the Irish Navy here on Trafalgar day, especially as the Welsh and Scottish navies didn't even bother to show up. Still, what else could England expect?
John Smith, Portsmouth