Letters to the Editor: Why is a library using the term ‘British Isles’?

Cork City Library on Grand Parade, Cork. Picture: Chani Anderson

Cork City Library on Grand Parade, Cork. Picture: Chani Anderson

Mon, 12 Oct, 2026 - 01:00

I was genuinely taken aback when I visited Cork City Library recently and saw a section prominently labelled “General History of the British Isles”. One might expect to encounter the term “British Isles” in an old book, where it reflects the terminology of the period in which the book was written. What I did not expect to see was an Irish public library in Cork actively choosing to use it on its own signage.

Ireland is an independent, sovereign republic. It has been so for generations. Yet apparently, according to the signage in Cork City Library, the island on which this country is situated is still to be categorised under the heading “British”. I am aware of the argument that “British Isles” is an established geographical term. That does not make its use compulsory, nor does it make it neutral. Language evolves, particularly when terminology carries a considerable historical and political baggage.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

Triple lock will not affect our neutrality

The ‘triple lock’ concept, despite some conflation of the positions, has nothing to do with traditional neutrality and everything to do with an unnecessary limitation on Ireland’s sovereignty.

The Defence (Amendment) Act 1960 yielded our nation’s ability to engage in overseas peacekeeping operations to permission granted by a non-elected, non statutory entity, the UN Security Council, whose permanent members (the P5) have not agreed on a peace-keeping mission for 15 years. This is unlikely to change.

In 2026, this 66-year-old anachronism should be jettisoned. Ireland is a mature, liberal democracy, capable of making decisions about its international profile as a contributor to peacekeeping without the interference of totalitarian or extreme nations of any ilk.

This will not affect our government’s policy of military neutrality. It will, however, permit Ireland to continue its proud tradition of assisting the maintenance of safety and peace for vulnerable people, as has been the case in Lebanon for 48 years. The benefits and experience gained there are irreplaceable!

Tim O’Connell Capt (ret’d)

Ballinteer, Dublin

Are we prepared for an emergency?

Most households should have received the BE EMERGENCY READY booklet by now.

Having read its 20 pages, it is arguably less than useless, and it may even be dangerous because it gives a false impression of the potential for very serious emergencies. It only refers to: “Events like storms, flooding, cyber-attacks and disruptions to critical supply chains”. There is no mention of possible terrorist attacks, or conventional military attacks due to our Government abandoning Irish neutrality, and its failure to promote international peace.

The risks of nuclear war, or nuclear accident, are ignored. There are 57 nuclear reactors in France, while Sellafield is too close for comfort. Radioactive fallout fell on Ireland after the Chornobyl disaster in 1986. Radiation knows no borders. There are over 12,000 nuclear weapons globally. In his address to the UN, US president Trump threatened to annihilate Iran, indicating the possible use of nuclear weapons. Russia threatened to use nuclear weapons if its Kaliningrad territory was attacked or blockaded.

Neutral Switzerland has 370,000 underground bunkers capable of providing shelter for all its 9m citizens. Our Irish Government makes no provision for such shelters for its ordinary citizens.

Two important factors need to be considered in planning for emergencies. What is the most serious possible emergency, and which emergencies are the most likely to occur? In this 21st century, humanity has too many irresponsible leaders. As a result, even the most serious possible emergency, such as a nuclear war, may be likely to occur. It is irresponsible of our Government not to plan for such emergencies and keep our citizens informed. It looks like our national planners were so afraid of another publicity debacle like the iodine tablets that they took the option of doing virtually nothing. Proper emergency planning is a deadly serious matter.

Edward Horgan

Castletroy, Limerick

Ireland is failing children with special needs

Over the past few days, I have listened to parents of children with special needs commenting on Cork’s 96FM Opinion Line, in relation to difficulties they face getting their children to school.

I find it sad and tragic that “we”, the people of Ireland, are failing these parents.

Ireland looks upon itself as an “advanced” country.

Our Government hands out hundreds of millions of euro annually, yet school transport cannot be provided in many cases for children with special needs.

I suggest the failure to provide adequate transport reflects on Ireland as a nation, on us the people, and on those we elect to represent our interests.

We the people need to encourage our elected representatives to ensure the requirements of parents of children with special needs are met.

As a constituent of Cork South Central, I call on Micheál Martin, as my representative, in addition to his role of Taoiseach, to face his responsibilities in particular, in relation to children with special needs.

Michael Moriarty,

Rochestown, Cork .

CORK

Your home for the latest news, views, sports and business reporting from Cork.

More in this section

Letters to the Editor: Smart use of electricity resources Letters to the Editor: Smart use of electricity resources
File Photo The Health Service Executive has said it is working to establish how many patients may need to have their medical tes Letters to the Editor: Is the HSE just a soulless entity?
Letters to the Editor: Childhood poverty is a national disgrace Letters to the Editor: Childhood poverty is a national disgrace
#Cork - Opinion
<p>'The Government has set ambitious targets without first completing the dedicated national guidance for deciding where these developments belong and how they should be assessed,' writes Tony Higgins. Picture: iStock</p>

Letters to the Editor: Solar farm planning requires clear guidelines

READ NOW

Revoiced

Newsletter

Had a busy week? Sign up for some of the best reads from the week gone by. Selected just for you.

Latest

Most Read

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited