Sir, – The Canadian ambassador’s intervention during the commemoration at Grangegorman, far from being heroic or admirable, was entirely inappropriate. Even the most rudimentary screening on entry to the event would have determined that the protester did not present a threat any greater than making a nuisance of himself.
Kevin Vickers was an invited guest and, more importantly, he is an accredited foreign diplomat. His impulsive behaviour was neither diplomatic nor dignified and, I believe, did more to take from the occasion than a brief interlude of shouting which would have been dealt with quietly by the Garda. Others, including the soldiers on parade, managed to restrain themselves. Instead, the commemoration and the debate surrounding it have become footnotes to a story about the ”have a go” hero. – Yours, etc,
GERRY O’DONOGHUE,
The Curragh,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – The brave actions of the Canadian ambassador are to be commended as going beyond any expected sense of duty, even when considering his former position as sergeant-at-arms. It seems to me that a somewhat curious issue arises.
The ambassador is posted here because the Canadian government, like its counterpart in the US, can appoint persons from outside the foreign service as an ambassador. I wonder whether any consideration has been given to such a practice in our country, given the supposed new approach to politics?– Yours, etc,
JOHNNIE McCOY, BL
Dublin 7.
Sir, – Problems of public drunkenness and disorderly behaviour in Temple Bar in Dublin have plagued the area for many years. We now have a possible solution. Relocate the Canadian ambassador’s residence there. – Yours, etc,
GARRY BURY,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Does our Government intend asking Kevin Vickers to drop in for a chat so that it can inform him that it is not the place of an ambassador from a foreign country to interfere with a public protest, which is a much-lauded right throughout what is known as the free world? Or will the Canadian government decide that this might not be the man best suited to the use of respectful diplomacy? – Yours, etc,
EVELYN CONLON,
Rathmines,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – People have a right to protest in a democratic society. However, putting up with ceremonies and events that we may disapprove of is part of the price of living in an inclusive and civilised society.
I fear that we may be losing our sense of dignity and even decency if a ceremony to honour the dead is interrupted in such a manner.
The disturbance was less a protest and more a provocation, and it was dealt with as such. Please let us not blow this incident out of all proportion. – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA O’RIORDAN,
Dublin 8.
Sir, – Following Kevin Vickers’s intervention, I think it is a good bet to assume the Canadian Embassy’s Ferrero Rocher stocks are in safe hands. – Yours, etc,
DAVE O’SULLIVAN,
Newbridge,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – As far as I am aware, foreign ambassadors are not endowed with the powers of law enforcement. Taking hold of a peaceful protester and dragging him away to be arrested surely does not fall within an ambassador’s remit. – Yours, etc,
GRACE CUDDIHY,
Novopeschanaya Ulitsa,
Moscow.
Sir, – Is there any chance we could have Mr Vickers seconded to the Garda Síochána, where such skills as he displayed at the Grangegorman commemoration might be more appreciated. – Yours, etc,
GEAROID KILGALLEN,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.