Sir, – There was a time the left in general had a soft spot for Russia as the cradle of socialism, and the corollary was a deep suspicion of Nato. Thankfully the mainstream left in Europe has moved on, with many politicians now seeing Russia for the danger it is, and Nato for the necessity it is to protect Europe. Even the German socialists have had their eyes opened.
Unfortunately, it seems our President, given his recent interview in the Business Post newspaper, has not moved on (“Ireland in ‘drift’ towards Nato, says Higgins ahead of Government neutrality debates”, News, June 18th).
He has shown himself to be on the wrong side, politically and morally, of this argument. He talks about “other people’s agendas”. An agenda to help other European nations to defend themselves, most of whom are our fellow EU partners, is an agenda with which we should be 100 per cent on board. – Yours, etc,
PAUL WILLIAMS,
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Kilkee,
Co Clare.
Sir, – Michael D Higgins holds the post of President of Ireland, with the associated duties and responsibilities. At the same time, he is also a citizen of Ireland.
All of our citizens have equal rights of expression and equal rights to think and discuss issues which may affect our lives. – Yours, etc,
EVE PARNELL,
Dublin 8.