Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

An Post stamp
An Post

Taoiseach's office had to confirm that 'Éire' would NOT be removed from Irish stamps in 1982

Questions were asked whether An Post should be given an “entirely free hand” in the designing of stamps.

THERE WAS CONFUSION in 1982 that ‘Éire’ was going to removed from all Irish stamps and replaced with the word ‘Ireland’.

A report by the newspaper The Evening Herald stated that a Government committee was going to drop “De Valera’s beloved Éire” and the “seemingly innocent decision could cause ripples in the dusty stamp world and enrage nationalists”.

In a department file document on the new Postal and Telecommunications Services Bill it was discussed whether the semi-state body An Post should be given an “entirely free hand” in the selection of subjects and designs for stamps” in light of postage stamps presenting an image of Ireland abroad.

IMG_2728 The National Archives The National Archives

The Department of the Taoiseach was forced to clarify that the report had been misleading, stating that draft proposal made was that the name “Ireland” should be included in addition to “Éire” and that the Minister for State at the time Paddy Harte said it received a welcome reception.

The Taoiseach’s department said that they had also made representations on the constitutional and political repercussions of the proposal and recommended that the proposal be withdrawn or postponed.

IMG_2731 The National Archives The National Archives

The Department of Posts and Telegraphs also confirmed that the article was incorrect.

So, it seems messing with Irish stamps can be a minefield. Perhaps why “Eire” still remains on our stamps today.

IMG_2888

Read: Irish shoppers encouraged to ‘buy Irish’ to give businesses Christmas boost>

Read: Construction work was on the up again last month (and firms are hiring)>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
18
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.