Madam, – If acted upon, the suggestion mentioned by new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson (Irish Times 14 May 2010) that Queen Elizabeth II might visit the Republic is bound to lead to controversy.
Surely it would be proper to consult the Irish people first in order to determine our view on a matter of such significance? A referendum would be the fairest way to gauge popular opinion on the issue.
To offset costs, we might hold a general election on the same day and therefore, also determine whether the current Government or Queen Elizabeth II is less popular among the plain people of Ireland. – Yours, etc,