Unlike our ancestors, we are so ignorant of Jerusalem’s past
■ Tom Gilsenan (Irish Independent, December 11) says “It’ll be great fun if Trump decides to declare Cork our capital city.”
There is of course no reason why he should consider this. This is a matter for the Irish.
However, Jerusalem is the ancient capital of many Hebrew kings, especially the two greatest – David and Solomon.
An Irish equivalent might be Teamhair na Rí (Tara, Co Meath) or Ceann Coradh (Kincora) of High King Brian of the Battle of Clontarf. (The site of Ceann Coradh is today part of the town of Cill Dá Lua, aka Killaloe).
Though I love Cork city, I am not aware of any connection with native Irish royalty.
Secondly, Dublin’s claim to be the capital of Ireland is accepted by Irish and foreign governments alike.
Jerusalem’s status as the capital of Israel was backed only by Israel’s own government until now because foreign governments did not wish to make needless trouble for themselves with the Arab world – often because they feared for their oil supplies.
As a result, foreign governments who wished to have relations with Israel sited their embassies in Tel Aviv.
Imagine a situation where the Irish Government alone recognised Dublin as our capital and foreign embassies were located in Cork or Galway!
Why should foreigners not accept the Irish Government’s wishes in this matter?
Thirdly, Ireland was the Island of Saints and Scholars.
How come that we are nowadays so ignorant of Jerusalem’s past as so abundantly recorded in the Bible – unlike our ancestors?
R. Seathrún Mac Éin Dublin 4