Madam, - I wish to express my enormous discomfort with Áine Ní Chonáill's letter concerning her disapproval with Article 2 of the Constitution and the automatic right of citizenship at birth (January 6th).
The statement that "the Republic is suffering grievously from the workings of the new article" is typical of her reasoning: general sweeping statements that have no basis in fact are used to justify her views, which are in no way representative of the vast majority of people, and are frankly ridiculous.
That she chooses to begin by referring to Gerry Adams's correspondence with the Irish and British Governments is rather interesting, and I must admit leaves me at a loss. The connection between Mr Adams, indicating what he wants to see included in the review of the Good Friday Agreement, and the right to automatic citizenship is tenuous to say the least.
In future I would like Ms Ní Chonáill to remember that her complaints about the changes to Article 2 should not be addressed to Sinn Féin, nor to the Irish or British governments.
Rather, she should take them up with the people of Ireland. They approved them by an overwhelming majority in a popular vote. - Yours, etc.,
SEOIRSE Ó DÚNLAING, The Rookery, Scholarstown Road, Dublin 16.