Madam, - If Vincent Browne wants to attack the President for "blandness" (Opinion, August 25th), he himself should be criticised for repetition. This column is essentially a rehash of an earlier one (Opinion, January 7th).
I am tempted to respond in kind by re-writing my response to his earlier article, highlighting the numerous ways in which the President personally has refused to "play it safe" in supporting and developing understanding on the island; indeed she has risked controversy, unpopularity and, worst of all, indifference to do so.
Instead, I'll add that not only has the President been highly active in this area. Unnoticed and unreported, her husband has also been extremely hard-working, developing links with communities in Northern Ireland not noted for their understanding of the Republic.
"Building bridges" between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was the theme of Mary McAleese's election campaign and it has undoubtedly been the major focus of her presidency. Her work and that of her husband in this cause has been considerable. - Yours, etc.,
TONY KENNEDY, OBE,
Chief Executive,
Co-operation Ireland,
Herbert Place,
Dublin 2.
Madam, Vincent Browne writes that President McAleese "has restored the blandness that previously enveloped the role" . He notes that Mary Robinson "had given life to the role" and used the office to highlight injustice.
According to Mr Browne President McAleese travelled to Argentina earlier this year "to do her bit for the Celtic Tiger. Robbo would have had a cut at the impoverishment of Argentina at the behest of the IMF. Maca was plugging Irish trade; not a word about the IMF. On to Chile a few days later, more plugging of the Celtic Tiger. Robbo would have made some reference to the Pinochet years. Maca, not a word."
Perhaps he forgot that "Robbo" made a similar journey to Argentina in March 1995, so comparisons remain fresh in the mind. There Robinson failed to show solidarity with the "Mothers of Plaza de Mayo" who for almost 20 years had been protesting at the disappearance of their children under the former dictatorship.
Bland and insipid is the phrase that comes to mind to describe her visit to that country.
On to Chile, where many human rights groups had high expectations; but again Robinson failed to deliver. There she refused to meet Carmen Soria, who had been seeking justice for the torture and murder of her father, Carmelo Soria, by Pinochet's secret police in 1976. Carmelo was a Spanish citizen and UN diplomat, and his case formed the basis of Spain's attempt to have the former dictator extradited from the UK. Robinson was the first foreign head of government who had refused a meeting with Carmen.
The refusal gave further hurt when President Robinson met and shook hands with Pinochet at a state reception. No photograph was allowed of this infamous handshake.
Perhaps McAleese might also have shaken hands with Pinochet but I'm sure she would have balanced the gesture with a meeting with Carmen Soria. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN T. KAVANAGH,
Braemor Road,
Dublin 14.
Madam, - Vincent Browne is entitled to his view that the country should elect a new President in November, but the manner is which he chooses to express this view is highly insulting. His references to President McAleese as "Maca" and his assertion that "Slab Murphy" would be preferable as president are beneath contempt.
Like the majority of people in the country I believe President McAleese has represented the country admirably during her term in office. As a Northerner, her very election was hugely significant to the nationalist community but far from isolating unionists she has striven to have as inclusive a presidency as possible.
Three events stand out in my mind. Firstly, her unprecedented attendance, along with Britain's Queen Elizabeth, at a memorial service in Belgium for soldiers (including Irish servicemen) killed during the two World Wars. Secondly, her determined support for inter-church relations. And finally, her extremely dignified and heartfelt response on behalf of the nation to the attacks in the US on September 11th, 2001.
In addition to this there have been countless acts of support and recognition for groups throughout the island.
She has been a popular and impressive president, worthy of re-election in November. - Yours, etc.,
KEVIN BARRETT,
St James's Wood,
South Circular Rd.
Dublin 8.