A FEW weeks ago regular contributor Maurice Fitzgerald came in for some criticism from another reader who concluded that the modern-day 'skibbereen Eagle' should not be taken at all seriously. In light of Maurice's recent missive (Oct 9) that is, without doubt, the correct course of action. While adopting a slightly less venomous tone when corresponding with The Irish News, compared to his contributions to the Dublin-based media, Maurice nonetheless remains determined not to allow facts to ameliorate his jaundiced anti-republican views. This consistency manifested itself again in the final sentence of his anti-democratic rant when he talks dismissively of those in the six-counties "having chosen to live in another jurisdiction". Terence Macswiney, a truly great Corkman, in the face of impending death uttered the immortal words: "To those who understand no explanation is necessary, to those who do not understand no explanation is possible." Undoubtedly, in relation to partition, Maurice belongs in Macswiney's latter category.
PLUNKETT NUGENT
Galbally, Co Tyrone
