Why Britain is a great neighbour

TOM COOPER (Letters, January 14) outlined some peculiar reasons for opposing an expected royal visit to the Republic by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.

He says relations are not normal or friendly. This is news to many of us who have relatives, friends, employment history, sports loyalties, property and many other interests in our neighbour. Britain also happens to be our largest market and a political companion in Europe.

Mr Cooper must agree that western monarchies are largely ceremonial and the notion that “some are born to rule while others are born to be ruled” is hardly a representation of life in Britain or Spain where politics is in charge and politicians have all sorts of antecedents. This country has no inferiority complex these days and is hardy destined to be ruled.