So much for shared future

SIR, — As far as I am aware the official languages of Northern Ireland are English, Irish and Ulster-Scots so how can the use of one of the historic names of Downpatrick, Dun Padraig, have “political connotations” or “anger their neighbours” as suggested by Councillor Walker and by the Editorial in last week’s Recorder?.

Faugh a ballagh — clear the way — has been the motto of The Royal Irish Fusiliers since1798 and subsequently of the UDR and The Royal Irish Rifles; the motto of the famous Highlanders Regiment, comprising the Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons is Cuidich ‘n righ — help the king; and who could ever forget Queen Elizabeth’s address to former President McAleese last May — A hUachtarain agus a cairde, dear President and friends. Anything sinister or threatening here?

In this age of a shared community how can anyone feel that a simple Irish version of Downpatrick can cause offence or annoyance?

A fhail ar an saol, a Liam — wise up Billy.

Yours etc.,

JIM MAGEE,

Dun Pádraig.