Sir, - I am glad that Dana was successful in getting a nomination to contest the forthcoming presidential election. Meath County Council was prepared to hold a special meeting to consider supporting her, but in the event this was not needed. It is important to point out that the members involved in organising the meeting would not be voting for Dana in the election proper. They were simply concerned that justice would prevail.
I believe a considerable number of people are supporting Dana because she is seen to epitomise Catholic morality. For my part, I belong to the increasing section that stands for religious tolerance and pluralism, but it would be totally undemocratic to attempt achieving that ideal by denying constitutional rights to those who represent a different point of view.
While I repudiate any denominational bias in politics, it would be a poor day were the sign to go up outside a vacant Aras an Uachtarain: "No Catholic Need Apply". Besides, should a stand for common-or-garden decency be a debarring factor in a prospective candidate, or is virtue to be regarded as a hindrance and out of date?
There are many parents to my knowledge who wonder, against the background of monumental change, political and religious scandals and crime, if inculcating in their children a sense of Christian morality is an inhibiting factor in preparing them for life. If Dana's campaign succeeds in highlighting the importance of basic human values, irrespective of religious belief, it will have been well worth while.
Rory O'Hanlon's antediluvian and ultramontane ramblings in your letters columns, while well intentioned, simply demonstrate a man out of touch with his times, although obviously a simple and saintly soul. Ciaran Toland's insulting reference to Catholic values as "gombeen myth" (September 15th) is reprehensible and surely sullies the name of Trinity College. By the way, if Senator Norris were a candidate, he would get my No 1 vote.
A final point. The careers of many fine politicians were built on prowess in Gaelic sports or other areas outside politics. I have no doubt either that Adi Roche would, and perhaps will, make a fine President. But I regard it as cynical of any political party to pick someone outside politics if it appears to any fair-minded person that the main reason for selection is, using a colloquialism, to "be on a winner". - Yours, etc.,
From Jack Fitzsimons
Independent member, Meath Co Council, Kells, Co Meath.