Gombeen nationalism needs sense of humour

SO puffed up and silly was the letter from Des Dalton of Republican Sinn Féin (Irish Examiner, Dec 13) that, at first glance, I thought it an Après Match skit on gombeen nationalism.

Sadly, RSF don’t do jokes. In fact, apart from the ‘vice-president’ of bombast and paranoia, they haven’t got a titter of wit between them. But don’t take my word for it.

Just read Mr Dalton’s challenge to those who have moved on a century or two from his half-baked vision of Irish fundamentalism.

It will be a frosty Friday, I’d wager, before the GAA or grown-up republicans take instruction from his ilk on freedom or the finer points of modern economics, let alone on ethics or national sovereignty.

Whether it’s the people of Tuvulu or Ballyvolane, Britain or Ireland, it’s none of his business whose flag we fly as we freely welcome whoever we want into our lives, or our hearts, without being put under a compliment by the politically retarded.

Richard Dowling,

Coote Street,

Mountrath,

Co Laois.