Sir, - The Christmas Day broadcast of Her Majesty The Queen is as much a tradition in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth as is the Christmas tree, the one drink too many and the everlasting turkey that keeps on appearing long into the New Year when many of us are almost falling to the temptation of vegetarianism!
Yet the broadcast is an important national occasion, renewing the trust and understanding between the people and those that exercise power in their name. It also provides us with an often unique insight into the personal feelings of the Head of State, the role they play and the duties they undertake on our behalf.
As an Irish and British citizen living in London and currently with my family in Ireland, I feel that the time has come when Aras an Uachtarain should consider an annual address which would become one of the centrepieces in every Irishman's Christmas, whether at home or abroad.
The main role of the President of Ireland is to reach out and represent all of us, regardless of political or religious divide or geographical differences. Indeed, President McAleese's recent visit to the United Kingdom proved the unifying power of her office by being among her fellow citizens and making a series of thought-provoking speeches that reached across the divide and reinforced the peaceful message of co-existence and hope for the future.
An annual presidential address would reinforce this role even further at a time when the presidency continues in a much more high-profile and welcomed role that it ever used to before the advent of President Robinson.
Recent traditions of the presidency such as the lit window in the Phoenix Park, prove the welcome power of symbolism and an annual address would, I am sure, become as much a welcome part of the festive season in Ireland and abroad as that of Queen Elizabeth II in her realms and territories. - Yours, etc.,
Anthony Bailey, The Travellers' Club, Pall Mall, London SW1.