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President’s letter to Iranian leader

A time for reflection

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sir, – Voicing views that challenge the elected Government of the State, criticising a celebrated Irish academic because of an honour bestowed on her by our closest neighbour, and now inflaming an already fraught relationship with Israel at a time when we should be trying to calm tensions so we can advocate for the ceasefire we all desire (News, September 22nd).

If there’s a competition for the worst president in the history of our State, I nominate Michael D Higgins. – Yours, etc,

DAVID CLARKE,

Edinburgh,

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Scotland.

Sir, – Is it not shocking that President Higgins is writing warm, effusive letters to the Iranian head of state when that same country sentenced human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh to 38 years in jail and 148 lashes for defending girls who refuse to wear the hijab? Iran has also sentenced youngsters to be lashed for dancing in “mixed company”.

The Islamic Republic of Iran were so happy with Michael D Higgins’ letter that they published it on their Dublin embassy’s website. President Higgins then blamed the Israeli embassy for leaking and circulating his letter.

What is Ireland becoming? – Yours, etc,

KARL MARTIN,

Bayside,

Dublin 13.

Sir, – As a reminder, Iran has not held a single democratic election in over 45 years. The regime executes hundreds of its citizens every year, for the crime of attending protests or being gay. It also plays an active role in destabilising the entire Middle East, with its support for both Hamas and Hizbullah, both of which are proscribed international terrorist organisations.

President Higgins might reflect on these issues the next time he puts pen to paper. – Yours, etc,

PETER KINSELLA,

London.