Madam, - Alan Shatter (June 26th) appears to be confused as to why people were protesting against President Bush's visit, and not about Islamic fundamentalism.
It should be fairly obvious that the protests were organised in the context of the president's visit (it wasn't Abu Musab al-Zarqawi who was paying an official visit to the State, being put up at Dromoland Castle, and being given the protection of 6,000 troops).
In addition, these were not simply anti-Bush protests, but also related to the Irish facilitation of the American war effort at Shannon airport.
It is, however, lamentable that many of those who support the American occupation of Iraq seem to be so resentful of ordinary people exercising their democratic right to engage in protests and demonstrations. If Mr Shatter wishes to organise a demonstration against violent acts carried out by al-Quaeda, is he not free to do so?
As a former member of the Dáil, should he not be heartened by the sight of Irish people engaging in politics with such conviction? Or has he gone sour on democracy since he lost his seat in the last general election?
Furthermore, perhaps the erstwhile TD could explain how it follows logically that if I protested against President Bush's visit I was granting "impunity to the barbarity of al-Quaeda"? Such a disgraceful, not to mention patently ridiculous, statement requires an explanation, if not an apology. - Yours, etc.,
NILANTHA McPARTLAND, Grange Court, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Madam, - Previous US presidents came to Ireland and enjoyed a pint of the black stuff with the locals in New Ross, Ballyporeen and Drumcondra with scarcely a security man in sight.
President Bush comes to Ireland and is guarded from the public by 6,000 Garda and Army personnel and a fleet of armed personnel carriers.
And he claims the world is now a safer place! - Yours, etc.,
R.T. HOLLOWAY, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
Madam, - President Bush is wrong to suggest that Turkey should be a member of the European Union: the simple fact is that Turkey does not yet meet the entry criteria because of concern regarding its treatment of prisoners.
The US would also fail this test and many other EU entry criteria because of its use of the death penalty, fiscal recklessness (the budget deficit), non-membership of the International Criminal Court and failure to sign the UN Rights of the Child Convention.
In its defence, Turkey is at least working to improve its human rights record. Canvassing by someone like George W. Bush is unlikely to be helpful in this regard. - Yours, etc.,
SIMON McGUINNESS, St Joseph's Cottages, Dublin 7.