Madam, - As an American student of Irish history, I am enjoying a summer in Ireland visiting its many historical sites and monuments.
Recently I had the pleasure of travelling to the beautiful Boyne Valley in Co Meath. I have read of its importance in the history of your country but it was something else to stand on the ground where the future of modern Ireland was decided.
The ancient ruins of Trim Castle were of particular interest, and I, along with many other overseas visitors, enjoyed a really informative tour of its magnificent keep.
It was while on a walkabout in the town of Trim that I spotted a huge column at the top of one of the main streets.
On approaching the monument I thought I could make out the figure on top as that of either Daniel O'Connell, the Liberator, or James Larkin, the famous union organiser.
I was greatly amazed to find that the person commemorated by this imposing monument was none other than Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington.
Now, while recognising the importance of the Trim connection with this British prime minister and conqueror of Napoleon, I think it very odd that modern Ireland retains this opponent of Catholic Emancipation and Repeal of the Union in such a prominent position in a major Irish town.
I have read of how Nelson was removed from O'Connell Street in Dublin in the 1960s. Surely in Ireland, 2003, you could find a more peaceful means to remove this reactionary figure from the Trim monument, and replace him with a son or daughter of your country. Someone who has made a positive contribution to Co Meath and to the formation or modern-day Ireland.
I greatly look forward to reading your fine newspaper for some suggestions for a solution to this dilemma of the Trim monument. - Yours, etc.,
THOMAS DION RUSSELL,
Carrickdale Hotel,
Ravensdale,
Dundalk,
Co Louth.