Sir, – Donal Kennedy (June 28th) notes Lady Macbeth’s failure to wash the bloodstains from her hands accounts for the tradition of subsequent queens always wearing gloves in public. Not quite so.
On formal occasions, it is de rigueur for a lady to be gloved when introduced – not so for a gentleman. I lecture in social etiquette and this custom has not changed over the years. Etiquette can’t be caught, it must be taught.
It might be more apt, in this instance of great historical significance, to recall that “There is no art to find the mind’s construction in the face?” Ay, there’s the rub! – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Feargal Murphy (June 29th) refers to the meeting of Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness with Queen Elizabeth II as “An Armalite in one hand, a queen in the other”. I prefer to view it as a mandate by ballot box in one hand and an unelected head of state, church and armed forces in the other. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – The condemnation by diehard republican groups of the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, for shaking hands with the queen, is understandable; but, viewed in the light of our recent history it is extremely sad.
As a portent of further episodes of “armed struggle”, it is testimony to the continuing failure by those who claim to honour the 1916 Proclamation, of teasing out the implications of the resolve it expresses for all “the children of the nation” to be cherished equally.
Should the recent phase of “troubles” not persuade us to ask how “armed struggle” and subversive conspiracy can be honourably reconciled with that resolve?.
While it may sound noble, the nobility of the resolve must be made to ring true. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I’m confused.
Having spent all his life calling for British withdrawal and working towards that goal through various nefarious means, in the space of 48 hours Martin McGuinness finally meets Queen Elizabeth II in Belfast and then accuses the British government of “a lack of engagement” in Northern Ireland (Home News, June 29th).
What way does he want it? More British involvement in Northern Ireland or less? – Yours, etc,