Sir, - The question we should be asking ourselves as we approach the election of our eighth president is, not whom we should vote for, but whether or not we need a president. The presidential office is one defunct of any real power and is only used as office for retiring politicians or failed politicians. The presidential office should be combined into the office of Taoiseach. Aras An Uachtarain could be changed into a state run hotel. - Yours, etc., JOHN J. CARROLL (age 13),
Ratoath, Co Meath.
Sir, - A headline (August 22nd) has let slip some hitherto privileged information. It reads, "25 Acres of Aras Land May Go To Zoo", which leads one to conclude that the political parties have, surreptitiously, already agreed on a candidate for the Presidency. Rumours, it is true, have circulated, but now it's official. Dustin - yer only man. - Yours, etc., D. K. HENDERSON,
Castle Avenue, Dublin 3.