Sir, - I too have wondered about the visit by Mr Haider to the Vatican. One point David Whelan omits (December 22nd), or is not aware of, is that the Pope delivered a peace-day message to Mr Haider, strongly calling for racial tolerance. I imagine Mr Haider left the Vatican with a diplomatic sore hand and in no doubt about what the Pope thought of his policies. It is hard to know if shunning or telling off the likes of Mr Haider is more effective. But was not Christ himself criticised for meeting tax collectors? - Yours, etc.,
Sean Owens, St Brigid's Grove, Artane, Dublin 5.