Sir, - I agree wholeheartedly with Gregory Allen (September 12th) that although the National Anthem needs to be changed, "the initiative for change can come only from the people". Frank MacDermot, speaking in the Dβil in 1933, argued that a new anthem was needed that corresponded much more nearly to our desire to develop Gaelic civilisation in this country and one also that corresponded to "the antiquity of this country and the antiquity of our struggle for self-government".
He went on to say that "the Volunteer Movement and the Sinn FΘin Movement were just an episode in the struggle", and that consequently "it is not either logical or necessary that the marching song that prevailed during those few years has now to be adopted as our only permanent National Anthem".
Trevor Sargent, speaking in the Dβil in 1993, questioned whether "the words of our national anthem are appropriate to a society which ought to promote non-violence, tolerance and co-operation".
In short, the insightful contributions which MacDermot, Sargent and Allen have made to this most important debate merit the serious consideration of those involved in any decisions concerning the adopting and putting in place of a new anthem. - Yours, etc.,
Frank Bouchier-Hayes, Newcastle West, Co Limerick.