Sir, - As one sometimes accused of being "too" Catholic, may I dissent from recent adverse references to Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin. In fact, I suggest that Mr Ahern is a model separated Catholic parent who is also a public figure.
It would promote clarity of thought if the ambiguous word "partner" were replaced by the word "companion" used by Dr. Mansergh. A Taoiseach may choose anyone he wishes to be his companion as he receives guests at Government functions. Mr Albert Reynold's daughter was such a choice more than once.
Catholicism asks separated parents to be celibate and chaste. The fact that the Taoiseach receives Holy Communion regularly says that he claims to be so. That is enough for me. Separated parents who are celibate and chaste are terrific people.
I wish the Taoiseach and Ms Larkin a long and happy companionship - Yours, etc.,
Joe Foyle, Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.