It’s time to salute the Irish who fought Hitler

I IMAGINE the only reason Bertie Ahern was in Moscow this week was because he likes a Smirnoff chaser with his pint of Guinness and that it had nothing to do with the VE day celebrations.

The Irish Government in 1940 refused to take part in the greatest liberation of the 20th century.

Thankfully there were thousands of Irishmen and women who did see the need to fight against Nazi Germany and headed across the Irish Sea without the backing of de Valera and Co to stand alongside the Allies.

These brave individuals, shamefully, are never honoured in the Irish Republic on Remembrance Sunday for the sacrifice they made helping to free Europe.

Is it not time Ireland matured beyond the insular history of its fight for independence which many Irish living at home and abroad - like myself - feel was unnecessary.

Ireland should join the rest of Europe every November on Remembrance Sunday to show those citizens who fought in both world wars a respect that is long overdue.

Brendan Buffini

7 Impasse Du-millat

Givrand

Vendee

France