Sir, - In his review of Justine McCarthy's book Mary McAleese, the Outsider Kevin Myers writes "she is not from Ardoyne", and by way of innuendo casts doubt on the truthfulness of President McAleese's statements as "coming from an area . . . known as Ardoyne."
Our baptismal records record the happy event of her birth at her family home in Ladbrook Drive. She grew up there but later moved to Balholm Drive both "within the district", then to Woodvale Road and finally to Crumlin Road. All are within striking distance of each other.
Her family were involved in the life of the community as part of it, sharing its high and low points. They left Ardoyne when the President was 21.
To describe Ardoyne and its people as if they were "out of a Dickens novel" and "within tiny hovels" is both hurtful and untrue. Housing varied and people from different occupations and none lived and worked together. All were proud to be "from Ardoyne". President McAleese is no exception. She has always been proud of her roots here, has worked hard to bring needed help and investment to the area and knows both its people and life intimately. The community is proud of her and of the distinction she brings to the office of President. She is an Ardoyne woman. Of this she and we are proud.
Kevin Myers lacks local knowledge of here. Perhaps a word of apology to the people of Ardoyne and to the President? - Yours, etc.,
Very Rev Kenneth Brady, Rector, Holy Cross Retreat, Crumlin Road, Belfast 14.