ROYAL INVITATION

Sir, In reference to the opposition expressed to Dr O hEocha's suggestion that the Queen of England be invited to visit Galway…

Sir, In reference to the opposition expressed to Dr O hEocha's suggestion that the Queen of England be invited to visit Galway University (December 29th), Brian M. Hughes of UCG says "The day we lose our phobia for the British Crowd will be the day we prove our independence and finally take our place amongst the nations of the world.

I was under the impression that we in the Republic had achieved our independence and had taken our place amongst the nations of the world long since, and I disagree equally with the rest of Mr Hughes' statement. I am of the belief that we shall lose our "phobia" of the British Crown only on the day when the Queen of England withdraws her troops from Ireland and shakes the dust of this country from her feet.

She will be welcome to come back anytime as a visitor. Yours etc Priory Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.