Sir, - Coming from a family with Northern roots and one in which earlier generations experienced the bitterness of sectarian division, I am saddened by the way in which President McAleese's ecumenical gesture has been received by some senior Catholic clergymen. In her inauguration speech, Mrs McAleese expressed a deep and heartfelt desire to build bridges, and has shown clearly that her words are sincerely meant.
I too was in Christ Church that Sunday. I listened to Terry Waite's compassionate and inspiring speech, I heard the Warrington Male Voice Choir, and along with President McAleese and almost all of the congregation, I took Communion and felt welcome to do so. Well done, Mary McAleese! - Yours, etc.,
Meadow Grove, Dublin 16.