Sir, - Fintan O'Toole's review of the new Mary Robinson biography (Books, November 11th) would appear to confirm the belief that any authorised biography - by its very nature - can seldom do justice to its subject. This is not necessarily a reflection on the biographer(s) and in this case, Olivia O'Leary's reputation alone must carry considerable weight. Yet one cannot but agree with Mr O'Toole that the intimacy gained through "a long series of exclusive interviews" must carry some price.
Coincidentally, the opposite page carried a review by Julian Crichley of Ted Heath's autobiography, The Course of my Life. Critchley was a Tory MP for over 30 years, an ardent devotee of Heath and a strong anti-Thatcherite. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that his review falls little short of hagiography.
He describes Heath as "the unluckiest Prime Minister since Spencer Perceval"! Luck played little part in his loss of two general elections. It is widely accepted that he badly mistimed the calling of one - a cardinal error in any politician's language. The second was clearly lost through his mishandling of the miners' strike.
Critchley goes on: "His legacy has been in large part spoilt by his successors". In what respect? His greatest achievement was to take Britain into the EEC and this has never been - can never be - taken away from him.
However, the closing passage of the final paragraph encapsulates Critchley's thoughts on Heath and shows us clearly where he is coming from: "Ted had the infinite pleasure of watching Margaret's defenestration in 1990 when the Cabinet gave her her cards. . . He has also written a far better book than she has."
Now, surely The Irish Times could have commissioned a more objective reviewer of this autobiography. For the record, this writer would also be a strong anti-Thatcherite. - Yours, etc., J. P. McCann,
Mapas Avenue, Dalkey, Co Dublin.