Madam, - It is rich indeed for a politician to complain of another engaging in self-promotion. Cllr Mary White's criticism of President's Bush's motives in visiting here during an election year (March 2nd) is ridiculous. Green Party politicians are hardly behind the door themselves when it comes to vying for the attention of the electorate via the media.
There is seldom protest against the inaction of politicians when faced with the difficult choices of war and peace, even though that inaction can result in terrible catastrophe. Just a decade ago, thousands were being massacred here in Europe as the principal leaders - Kohl, Mitterrand and Major - could not agree on how to handle the disintegration of Yugoslavia.
Then, as the genocide in Rwanda was taking hold, both the US and the European powers took the easy course by reducing the United Nations presence in that country.
No leader had to pay a political cost for the inaction which cost so many lives. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL HENNIGAN, Merrion Village, Dublin 4.
Madam, - Following the Taoiseach's request to the Irish people not to protest against the June visit of President George W. Bush, I feel compelled to dissociate myself from Mr Ahern's latest pandering to the US president.
I fully accept that it is necessary to get the EU-US relationship "back on an even keel". But in view of President Bush's contempt for the views and concerns of Europe and the United Nations it is very clear that Mr Ahern's views are seriously out of step with public opinion.
I note that it is intended to put the European view on a range of issues to President Bush during the proposed visit. However, I was under the impression that Mr Bush has already been fully informed about European concerns on a wide range of issues including US foreign and environment policies, and has ignored them.
I feel this proposed visit would not be an honour for the Irish people and should not be permitted at this time. - Yours, etc.,
PETER GAUGHAN, Monkstown, Co Dublin.