Madam, - I could not help being amused by your news item about the vandalising of the Carrigaline monument to Sir Francis Drake (The Irish Times, July 12th). The monument seems to consist of a metal representation of a Bermuda sailing rig. This is surely inappropriate since this rig was not introduced to Europe until the late 17th century, about 100 years after Drake's death.
Cllr Desmond's comments on the affair do her considerable credit and show a praiseworthy tolerance for the activities of the swashbuckling old war criminal. His slaughter of women and children on Rathlin Island, off the coast of Antrim, in 1575 should, of course, be forgiven and forgotten.
The good councillor might well agree with me in proposing a series of such monuments in different parts of the country. A monument to Cromwell must surely be high on the list. Drogheda could probably provide a good site.
All this kind of stuff would be a great help to tourism. However, we must train the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to keep his face straight when performing the unveiling ceremonies. Your photograph of the affair is excellent and really says it all. - Yours, etc,
PÁDRAIG Ó BRANDUIBH,
Malone Road,
Belfast.