Sir, - I was surprised that the writer of your obituary of Alan Clark (The Irish Times, September 11th) omitted to remind us of perhaps his most famous and sober remark:
"For centuries Ireland has blighted English domestic politics, wrecked the careers of good men. Wouldn't Tony Blair love to go down in history as the man who finally removed 830 years of blight? But he cannot face down the people who will not face up to their responsibilities in their chosen land; despite the fact that, in the minds and ears of the world, these people are Irish by identity. They were born in Ireland, speak Irish-English, often have Irish names. They are Irish. Isn't it time these people thought about a choice? The simple choice is between a country that does not want them and a successful modern country that would welcome them with open arms and whose future they have a major role to play in shaping. Then perhaps we can all get on with tackling today's conflicts rather than yesterday's endlessly postponed." - Yours, etc.,
Harry Davies, Cardross Street, London W6.