A chara, - In the recent past, Queen's University, Belfast (where Mary McAleese holds a position of eminence) has been involved in three major controversies:
Discrimination in the employment of Catholics and the implementing of a policy which would meet the requirements of the Fair Employment Agency.
The dropping of the anthem God Save the Queen at graduation ceremonies.
The removal of Irish language signs from the Students' Union building.
What public position did Professor McAleese take on these controversies; and was I the only one to miss the media coverage of her leadership role in them?
Since her entrance to the presidential race we have heard of the tremendous support she is getting from the unionist community in her attempts to be elected. While it is most heartening to hear of this section of the community taking such an interest in the affairs of this Republic, what of the opinions of the nationalist/republican sector? Are these (a) unnecessary; (b) irrelevant; (c) taken for granted? - Is mise,
Rath Fearnain, Baile Atha Cliath 14.