Sir, - State-led historical commemorations generally have a great deal more to do with current political needs than with honest accounts of the past. Thus, it is interesting to observe the way in which the 1798 Rebellion is being commemorated so vigorously, despite its unhelpful associations with violence and nationalism. The contrast with the distinctly muted response to the 75th anniversary of the Easter Rising is striking.
The reason for this, quite simply, is that there was Protestant involvement in 1798. Hence, an event which happened 200 years ago can be described in a language which bears a remarkable resemblance to that of the current Irish "peace process". The stated goal of the revolutionaries - to unite Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter - is emphasised repeatedly; their means of achieving this, however - armed revolt against British occupation and the establishment of a Republic over the whole island of Ireland - is receiving rather less attention.
With these thoughts in mind, I was struck by the reported comments Kevin Whelan (The Irish Times, January 21st). He expressed thehope that the commemoration would enable the people of the island to discuss their differences "without the insistent pressure of contemporary events and politics". Yet, in the same speech, he noted that he and other members of the commemoration committee had tried to construct this year's programme in a spirit of "parity of esteem" between the northern and the Catholic rebels. Breathtaking! - Yours, etc.,
Ballynerrin, Co Wicklow.