Sir, - Now that it is open season on nominations for the Presidency I think the ideal candidate would be Mrs Catherine McGuinness.
Her election would personify the unification of Ireland and demonstrate this possibility to all, North and South, in all that is good and decent in both traditions, where tolerance and respect would be uppermost, and protected under the rule of law.
With the commemoration of 1798 on the horizon, what a fitting tribute her acceptance of the Presidency would be. It would remind us all that at one period of time we held the same principles of unity among Catholic, Protestant, and Dissenter, for the love we all shared for our native land. A native of Belfast, she epitomises the true concepts of Tone and Russell, by living among us and daily working with us. She has dignity, integrity, and most of all compassion, as we have witnessed in her capacity as a judge in the Irish courts. Further, she has proven her fairness during the Forum deliberations. Her legal background would enable a continuity along the lines initiated by Mrs Robinson. Her innate wisdom and vision, straddling both sides of the border, and her Protestant faith would enhance her endeavours to bring the day of reconciliation closer.
Her husband, Proinnsias, is equally well endowed: a writer and journalist of renown, with fluency in both Irish and English. With this exceptional couple installed in Aras an Uachtarain, Ireland would be assured of a sure and steady Presidency, both intellectually and socially. - Yours, etc., PATRICIA RYAN,
Rosemount Avenue, Dublin 5.