MICHAEL COLLINS FILM

Sir, - Kevin Myers's article attacking Neil Jordan's Michael Collins uses emotive narrative devices, such as a comparison with…

Sir, - Kevin Myers's article attacking Neil Jordan's Michael Collins uses emotive narrative devices, such as a comparison with Natural Born Killers in an effort to undermine this excellent film. I suggest that the real object of his indignation is Michael Collins himself.

Mr Myers speaks for a constituency in this country which would have preferred that Collins and his like had disappeared, demoralised after the British Army put manners on the Irish in the early summer of 1916. But he didn't, and they didn't, and thank goodness for their pride.

I suggest that certain pundits such as Eoghan Harris and Kevin Myers are united in a campaign against the celebration of the bravery and sacrifice of the Irish War of Independence. The political changes of the 1916-1921 period meant a change of fortunes for the British colony south of the border. Sour grapes still inform aspects of cultural commentary in 1996. Yes, Mr Myers, this film may be a tribal celebration of a tribal legend. It is a too-rare event, and long overdue. - Mise, le meas, Eglinton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.