Changing our anthem would be an ideal legacy of 1916 anniversary

AS plans to mark the centenary of 1916 are developed, might it be worth considering something that might leave a lasting legacy and say something worthwhile about the Ireland that has evolved over the last century?

Might it be worth using the occasion to change our national anthem from the aggressive, narrow and uncelebratory one we have to a new one that better represents us as we are today?

Should we decide to do that, though the political imagination and courage needed to initiate such a change seems in short enough supply, we would not be alone.

At the moment New Zealand is considering changing its flag through a series of votes because some Kiwis are unhappy about the colonial symbolism on their national flag.

Should such a conversation be opened it would have the unintended benefit of forcing us to ask ourselves if we have made proper use of the potential our independence offered.

For that alone it is would be easy to justify the project.

Sean de Paor

Kilbredeoga

Co Chorcaí