Backward and parochial response to invitation

SENATOR Liam Twomey’s disapproval of Finance Minister Brian Lenihan’s upcoming address at the annual Michael Collins Beal na mBláth commemoration is backward and parochial.

It was generous of the commemoration committee and the Collins family to invite Mr Lenihan and for him to accept the offer.

This occasion will help further to heal our civil war scars.

The legacy of Collins belongs to all Irish citizens, as does Wolfe Tone’s, and I am sure the commemoration committee wants the Beal na mBláth speech to be an important platform to address the nation not exclusive to Fine Gael.

Mary Robinson gave a thought-provoking speech last year that many could have done well to listen to.

Brian Lenihan and Michael Collins have had the common task of being finance minister in difficult times and in this regard I am sure Mr Lenihan will have a message equally worthy of our attention.

Collins would be proud to have this occasion used as a platform for national debate and not political point-scoring.

Intelligent Fine Gael supporters are appreciative of this.

Rónán Collins MD

Thorncliffe Park

Rathgar

Dublin 14