A chara, – Surely in the event of a reunited Ireland, the fairest way to decide on the issue of flags, anthems, and all the rest would be to put it to a vote.
Newton Emerson ("If the price of Irish unity was a new flag, would Sinn Féin agree to it?", Opinion & Analysis, August 19th) seems to be of the view, however, that the majority on this island should make way for the minority, an attitude one would have thought had become an anachronism by now. – Is mise,
SAM QUIRKE,
Greenwich,
London.
Sir, – I wholeheartedly agree with changing the Irish flag to accommodate unionists in a united Ireland.
As a proud Irishman who has been living in Canada for many years, I can attest to the fact that our flag does not stand out. Many non-Irish people cannot identify it and is often confused here with the Italian flag.
Contrast that with the Canadian flag, which is instantly recognisable. The vast majority of Canadians love their flag, but this was not always the case.
Canada introduced its flag in 1965 after the great and often bitter flag debate of 1963 and 1964.
The Canadian army fought in both World Wars and Korea under the Union Jack and there were many in Canada vehemently opposed to a new flag.
It’s difficult to image Canada now without the maple leaf flag.
Hopefully Ireland can learn from the Canadian experience. – Yours, etc,
MICK CASEY,
Ontario,
Canada.