Sir, - Carlo Gebler's review of Roddy Doyle's new book, A Star Called Henry (Books, August 21st), is a classic example of the kind of ridiculous hype one associates with that group of writers in Ireland whose hostility to nationalism has overcome their ability to reason.
The heavy-type headline talks about a "salvo to explode the sacred myths of 1916". The impression given throughout the review is that this book will revolutionise attitudes to 1916 by shattering many universally held myths. In reality, the staunchly republican view of 1916 has not been universally held since at least the end of the Civil War and has, in terms of historical analysis, been under sustained assault since the mid-1960s.
Even the thesis that the pillars of the Irish establishment are active supporters of the republican vision of 1916 is highly suspect. Of the political parties, Fine Gael and the PDs would be actively hostile, Labour and DL neutral/hostile and Fianna Fail supportive. Of the media, the In- dependent newspapers and the Sunday Times are actively hostile, others (including this paper) are hostile to sceptical and only the Sunday Business Post and Ireland on Sunday (both new publications) are supportive.
Is that the clatter of heavy hooves, the clank of rusty armour? Indeed it is! Here he comes again - Don Quixote, tilting at the windmill called the "republican establishment". - Yours, etc.,
Phelim Murnion, Oakfield, Oranmore, Co Galway.