Sir, - Unaccustomed as we are to joining any organisation that doesn't hold out the prospect of any monetary gain, I can see great difficulty in conducting the calm debate invited by the Taoiseach on the question of rejoining the Commonwealth. Some of the contributors to your paper, remembering the fate of the cherished Articles 2 and 3, are already digging in their heels against any discussion of the possible merits of the move. An example is Donal O Morain's reference to "imperial hangovers" (December 1st). It shouldn't be forgotten that a number of our wealthy EC partners on mainland Europe have some frightening imperial hangovers.
Recently the Commonwealth General Secretary, Chief Anyaoku, outlined clearly the role of today's Commonwealth in the promotion of human rights and in educational and social development - very laudable objectives in our global world. As one who has worked in three developing African countries, I welcome a debate on these issues.
It may come as a shock to many people's complacency, as it did to mine that, outside Western Europe, Ireland as a country is a very vague entity - a misty isle out there in the Atlantic. I believe our membership of the Commonwealth, abandoned so precipitately in 1949, would have positive results not only for our identity but also for our commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights and development. Finally, we can only benefit from increased social and cultural links with countries that have shaken off their colonial past as we have done, and from joining a community of equal nations. - Yours, etc., John F. Fallon,
Boyle, Co Roscommon.