A chara, - Our President is recently reported as having said, while in England, that what Ireland and England share need never diminish either country.
To my mind, this is a highly questionable proposition, at least so far as concerns Ireland. On the other hand, it can be said, in support of Mrs Robinson, that she, was in all probability expressing the views of the great majority of the citizens of this State. Because, whereas the Irish people cherish the outward appearance of political independence from England, and reject the label of British, in actual fact Irish governments and Irish society in general, are quite content to constantly follow England's lead, in thought and in action.
This situation means that Irish political independence, Irish nationality, and the concept of a distinctive and significant Irish national identity, are a make believe and a sham. Therefore, the expectation must be that the bulk of the Irish people will be prepared, sooner rather than later to acknowledge what is evident to most outside observers, that Ireland is British, and a British province, and is so, moreover, by the free choice and preference of its people. - Do chara,
Baile Atha Cliath 14.