Sir, - I find the wholly uncritical reception of Chancellor Kohl in Ireland quite distasteful. Kohl represents a thoroughly conservative faction in German politics, and his pronouncements on European matters are by no means to be taken at face value. The definition of the former East Germany as the "new Bundeslaender" implies that this area had no history no identity before being allowed to join the enlightened Western state. I have never met a German from West or East who was satisfied with the process of unification under Kohl.
Perhaps some Irish readers would care to research the policies of the Bavarian CSU, an integral part of Kohl's Government, in regard to such issues as political asylum (extradition), treatment of AIDS patients (internment), religious freedom (legally enforced crucifixes in every classroom of state funded schools), constitutional politics (open defiance by the Bavarian Prime Minister of decisions of the Supreme Court) and its attachment to the cause of the Sudeten Germans who demand the return of their families' former property in the Czech republic.
Fine champions of the liberal, inclusive European heritage! - Yours, etc,
Karl-Schoenherrgasse 7A,
8042 Graz, Austria.