A chara, - I have just returned from California, where I spent several days in the company of leading members of the Irish community there. Their opinions on President McAleese's visit and her participation in the many scheduled events contrast totally with those of your correspondent Elaine Lafferty (News Features, September 25th). All of the people whom I met were most impressed with her presentations and particularly with her ability to relate personally to everyone she met.
I was left in no doubt that President McAleese has left a lasting impression on all those who heard and met her; her non-patronising approach to Irish emigrants and the Irish-American business community was regarded as being most refreshing and, as a recent emigrant said, many of our Irish politicians should take a leaf from her book.
I certainly came home with an increased sense of pride that Ireland is being represented by a President who can relate so perfectly to our kinsmen abroad. - Is mise,
Liam O Cuinneagain, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co Dhun na nGall.