A UNITED IRELAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22574, 12 November 1936, Page 17

A UNITED IRELAND

Sir, —Tt is a mystery to me why so many so-called Ulstermen seek to hide their identity under a nom-de-plume when writing on the Irish question. Your correspondents "N.Z." and "Lough Xeagli" are the latest examples of this. It is not quite apropos for "Lough Ncagh" to compare the conditions in Ireland 800 years ago with those prevailing in Australia to-day. Australia is composed of several States, but none of these ever had a king over it. litll when in 1155 Adrian IV. issued his "bull" authorising Henry IT. King of England to take . possession of the island of Ireland, and to exercise entire right and authority over it, there were at that time in Ireland, besides many small tribes, five principal sovereigns, one or other of whom was commonly paramount. The condition of tilings in Ireland when Henry 11. became its sovereign lord, was much on a par with that which existed in India (but, on a much smaller scale) before Britain took over the government, of the country from the East India Company. I note what vour correspondent says about the infallibility of the Pope, and that such does not extend to temporal or political matters. But we are told by Roman Catholics that the Pope's'is the one voice on earth which can speak with spiritual authority to all the nations, since the Vatican is detached from all national interests and prejudices. And according to Rome's canon law the temporal powers must net unconditionally in accordance with the orders of the spiritual. The Church is empowered to grant or take away any temporal possession and His Holiness the Pope has the right to annul State laws, treaties, constitutions, etc. Your correspondent winds up hv saying "All we want is to he left alone to guide the destiny of a United Ireland." But he must he aware that the Free has been on its own for some 15 years, and they are far from having unity within their borders. Communism and republicanism are seeking to make the most of the existing state of things. These, and the Catholic Church, are striving for leadership and supremacy. That supremacy will largely decide what the future of Ireland will be. According to the latest cables, Mr. de Valera is soon to present the country with his new Constitution. Then the oat will he out of the bag, and after that, what? We must "wait and see." G. W. Blair.