Sir, - Am I the only one who finds it difficult to take Dana seriously as a presidential candidate? I can already imagine the election posters; her smiling face with the caption, "All kinds of Everything." Likewise, I don't think either John Hume or Albert Reynolds are suitable candidates. While they both have excellent political credentials, it still strikes me as the traditional presidential role of a cushy number for retired politicians.
To follow on from the Excellent job Mary Robinson has done requires an individual with youthful vigour and enthusiasm. But it also needs someone who commands respect and has a proven track record. I would like to suggest that one such person, if he would be willing to take the job, would be Bob Geldof. He has always been a great ambassador for Ireland, and as events such as Live Aid have shown, he is well able to inspire others to achieve great things for a worthy cause.
It is very important that our elected members realise the contribution Mrs Robinson has made to Irish society, or the presidential office could be allowed to slip back to its traditional role. - Yours, etc.,
James Shields,
Capel Court, Dublin 1.