Unthinking nationalists have wrong songsheet

I WISH to congratulate you on the insightful editorial on the rugby anthem debate (September 21).

It’s such a shame that when Northern Ireland (mainly unionist) and the Republic (nationalist) agree to join forces to field an all-Ireland rugby team, most unthinking nationalists insist that only the Republic’s anthem and flag should be used.

This closed mindset steadfastly refuses to accept that unionists have exactly the same right to their flags and anthem as we have.

This attitude, I believe, is symptomatic of a much deeper malaise regarding our dysfunctional attitude towards unionists in general.

The restraint and forbearance of the unionist rugby fraternity over the years in not telling us where to stuff our nationalist anthem amazes me.

If we cannot show respect to our unionist neighbours in these small matters, what hope is there of real reconciliation and peace between our two peoples on the larger stage.

Dick Keane

35 Silchester Park

Glenageary

Co Dublin