WHY do people claiming to be republicans, such as former councillor Johnston, always say that they are in the minority?

How do they know? I don't remember there ever being a referendum on the subject. The mini opinion polls that some people refer to as being representative of the entire population are all subjective to suit the prevailing mood of the "investigators" and, as such, must be viewed with suspicion

The recent turn-out for the funeral of the Queen Mother has been put forward as "proof" that the Royal Family is as popular as ever. Let's just examine some figures. It is claimed that one million "devoted royalists" lined the route, visited her lying in state, and wandered round Windsor Castle.

What percentage of this million are children, tourists, and the ones simply enjoying a pageant, any pageant, no one knows.

However, this just leaves in excess of 50m who didn't go!

If we assume that some 35-40 million live too far away to make lining the route a practical proposition, this still leaves some six million Londoners and several million in surrounding counties. That puts it more into perspective doesn't it? The West Indian carnival in London probably attracted more followers.

Until we have a national referendum on the subject of Royalist v Republican, I will continue to believe that we republicans are actually in the majority.

The dearth of flags to celebrate St George's Day is another symptom of the disaffection prevalent among the majority of people. They show their disdain for the double oppressors of Church and Royalty.

We need a symbol of national identity that excludes both from it. Until such time, we "British republicans and proud of it" will continue to fly the flags, both Union and St George, with reservations.

Mr F Isherwood

Latham Road

Blackrod, Bolton