Madam, - The national flags of many countries reflect a part of their national stories. For instance, the US flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes to represent each individual state and the original colonies that revolted against British rule. The British flag dates from the Act of Union in 1801 and represented the constituent parts of the United Kingdom.
The Constitution of Ireland defines the national flag as a Tricolour of green, white, and orange. This represents the two main traditions in Ireland with a white centrepiece symbolising peace between the two. The increasing tendency of various commentators to refer to "green, white, and gold" renders the flag utterly meaningless.
- Yours, etc,
BRENDAN McMAHON, Elmwood, Naas, Co Kildare.