Madam, - The choreography and the body language of the Taoiseach's shamrock ceremony at the White House were unbelievably revealing.
What was shown on TV purported to be the first minister of a sovereign republic presenting the president of another sovereign republic with an emblematic token of friendship and kinship and mutual good humour.
What we actually saw was an episode from an ancient Egyptian or Assyrian bas-relief: the great emperor receiving tribute from a cowed and servile petty chieftain.
It did prompt one question: "How come they excused Bertie from falling to his knees?" I was filled with shame. - Yours, etc.,
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JOHN ARDEN, St Bridget's Place Lower, Galway.