Sir, - I would like to congratulate the Very Rev Robert MacCarthy, Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, for his timely intervention in support of the institution of marriage.
Is it too much to expect that the head of Government in a predominantly Christian country should promote the sanctity of marriage?
After all, our Constitution, which the Taoiseach, on appointment to office, undertook to defend, is unambigious: "The State pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of marriage, on which the family is founded, and to protect it against attack" (Art. 41,1.1).
What private relationships the Taoiseach may have is of no concern of mine, but I know that I express the concern of many citizens who feel demeaned at the manner in which, as Head of Government, he parades his "partner' in total breach of protocol - and indeed, good manners.
I what other civilised State would such behaviour be tolerated?
I believe we deserve better. - Yours, etc.,
Eamon O'Dwyer, (Professor Emeritus) Lower Taylors Hill, Galway.