Madam, - Fianna Fáil's commitment to its republican tradition appears to surprise Niall Vallely (December 6th). The party's commitment to the principles laid out in the 1916 Proclamation and the subsequent endorsement of the Proclamation by the members of the first Dáil elected in 1918 is constant - and as relevant today as at any stage in the 20th century.
Mr Vallely writes that "at the moment republicanism is popular and Sinn Féin just happens to be the republican party". I would contend that Sinn Féin has done little to make republicanism popular. The party's approach to republicanism is largely confined to the variety best summed up by "wrapping the green flag round me".
Fianna Fáil's policy of promoting foreign direct investment, a policy which has provided 100,000 direct jobs to Irish workers, is objectionable, as far as Sinn Féin policy-makers are concerned. Sinn Féin is so egalitarian that its policies would turn the country into an economic backwater in which all would be equal - in the struggle to find employment.
The European Union, which is opposed and criticised by Sinn Féin representatives, has provided not just 50 years of peace in Europe but a social and economic framework that has allowed a country on the periphery of Europe to move centre stage.
The IRA, more so than any other entity, threatened the very foundations of this Republic through its campaign of violence and attack, which lasted over 25 years.
It is difficult to listen to lectures on Sinn Féin's republicanism when that party has consistently refused to recognise the legitimacy of the institutions of this Irish Republic. When was the last time you heard a Sinn Féin representative give the Dáil its full official title, Dáil Éireann? The "26 county parliament" appears to be the latest Sinn Féin title of choice. - Yours, etc,
TOM KITT TD,
Government Chief Whip,
Dáil Éireann,
Dublin 2.