The Queen for 1916? Why not Kim Jong-un?

With talk of the Queen visiting Ireland to ‘help us’ commemorate the 1916 Rising centenary, it’s important to realise just exactly who Elizabeth Glucksburg [members of the British Royal Family can be known both by the name of the Royal house — in this case Windsor — and by a surname, which are not always the same. And often they do not use a surname at all] is and who she represents.

She has never stood for election so the notion she represents anyone is nonsense. She represents herself, her family and possibly has many supporters in the aristocratic class and beyond. But till she stands for election, she is simple an elderly dictator.

Despite this she refers to the elected governments of Britain as ‘hers’. According to Forbes magazine, she is worth £44-500 billion. This includes property, some which we are told belongs to the British people.

It’s obvious a modern democratic state, let alone a republic should only have dealings with similarly elected ‘heads of states’. Britain’s is currently David Cameron.

Unless we stick to that noble and sensible prerogative, who else will our president be inviting to join us at Easter 2016. Kim Jong Un?

Patrick Cooney

Beaumont,

Dublin 9