Madam, – I am grateful that you followed up my proposal for the two governments of Ireland (Belfast and Dublin) to agree a flag for the island that can be used by all Irish sportsmen/women and their supporters (Weekend Review, October 16th).
I must confess, however that I do not see the need for a new flag such as those generously submitted by three Irish design companies. The silver-stringed gold harp against a background of St Patrick’s blue is the flag with the longest historical pedigree in representing the island of Ireland. The flag has been used for centuries by English and British monarchs to represent the Kingdom of Ireland and is incorporated into the royal coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth II. Similarly the Republic of Ireland has used it as the symbol and seal of the Head of State since 1937.
Is this a flag we can all agree upon? – Yours, etc,