Sir, - What with all this talk about Fianna Fβil claiming Collins as one of their own, I feel it must be brought to that party's attention that, according to the Irish Year Book published in 1922, an organisation was set up in January of that year with the following aims: "To assist the people of Ireland to attain to the full their national ideals, political, cultural, and economic, and to secure for Ireland her rightful place among the free Nations of the Earth.
"To foster among people of the Irish race throughout the world knowledge of the Irish language, literature, history, and general culture.
"To promote the commerce, trade, and industries of Ireland".
The name of the organisation was Fine Gaedheal, and its president was none other than Eamon de Valera. Since Fianna Fβil is happy to claim Collins, then it seems only fair that Fine Gael should claim de Valera.
In the certain knowledge that both parties will have no problem with this pleasant exchange of figureheads, I can hardly wait for Mr Ahern's speech at BΘal na mBlβth next year in honour of the party's newly acquired icon. It will, I'm sure, be the perfect complement to Mr Noonan's maiden speech earlier that year at Bodenstown. - Yours, etc,
Frank Bouchier-Hayes, Newcastle West, Co Limerick.