Madam, - For the first time in two centuries a Fitzgerald portrait, that of the patriot Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Commander in Chief of The United Irishmen in 1798, graces the walls of Leinster House.
The portrait is a scale reproduction on canvas of the painting by Hugh Douglas Hamilton which hangs in Malahide Castle.
How very appropriate that a portrait of Edward Fitzgerald should hang in Leinster House! The building was his family home, from which he attended sessions of the old Irish House of Parliament in College Green, as MP for Kildare.
He was central to the planning and execution of the French expedition to Ireland in 1798,and gave his life for the ideal of a free parliament in a free Ireland.
An Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, TD, is to be complimented for so kindly agreeing to this project. Great credit is due to both the Office of Public Works and the National Gallery of Ireland, whose expertise and care have resulted in this truly magnificent reproduction.
Finally, our gratitude and appreciation goes to Ruairi Quinn, TD, whose immediate support and enthusiasm proved invaluable throughout the exercise. - Yours, etc.,
AIDAN KELLY, Blackrock, Co Dublin.