Unwelcome visitors: where does blacklist end?

TOM COOPER (Letters, January 14) makes a very compelling case why Her Britannic Majesty should not be welcomed to the Emerald Isle.

It would appear that such a visit is inappropriate until all outstanding issues between our two peoples have been resolved and all past crimes (English ones only) have been atoned for.

But surely Mr Cooper should go further. For instance, I am not aware that the Scandanavian countries have ever apologised for the loutish activities of the Viking thugs who robbed our monasteries and engaged in all manner of vandalism.

There are countless other examples of oppression one could cite.

In fact, if we were to take into account all the afflictions endured by our forebears at the hands of foreigners, I’m not sure there is a head of state in the world whom it would be appropriate to welcome to Ireland.

Fr Iggy O’Donovan

Drogheda

Co Louth