Sir, - When the dust settles and we recover from the disappointment that President Mary Robinson will not be seeking a second term in office, I sincerely hope that our politicians will not agree on a candidate, but rather grant the people of Ireland the opportunity to elect their new President. Not to do so would, in my opinion, be a retrograde step and deeply insulting to the immensely hard work that our fine President has done since she took office in 1990.
Furthermore the intelligence, eloquence, energy, determination, understanding and compassion that Mary Robinson has brought to bear in the creation of a new style of Presidency, pushed to the limits but within the boundaries of the role, has proved that the right person, in the right job, at the right time can make a difference.
Mary Robinson has indeed made a difference both to the Irish people and on the international stage. For that, we must thank her and salute her. In our gratitude, we must show through the electoral process that we, the Irish people, now value the office of President in our democracy.
President Mary Robinson has given to the people of Ireland the gift of a respected head of State, elected by the people, working for the people and transcending politics. We must not let ourselves slip back to old ways. Muintir na hEireann must, from here on, be given the opportunity to elect Mary Robinson's successor and all future Presidents. - Yours, etc.,
Ardilaun, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin.