Madam, - I certainly do not agree with Vincent Browne that Mary McAleese is a "bland and uninspiring President".
Of course, there is a case for a campaign that focuses on the scale of "unfairness in our society and that mobilises political support to do something about it". I cannot see, however, how a presidential campaign can do this when the issue has been disgracefully ignored by all the political parties, especially by Labour, the so-called supporter of the weak.
President Mary McAleese has done her part in supporting marginalised groups throughout her presidency - and, I may add, without the fanfare that greeted President Mary Robinson's lesser efforts. I note that Vincent Browne does not refute the claims by recent letter writers that President Robinson failed on many occasions to challenge powerful forces in their treatment of the weak.
His admiration for Mrs Robinson's open support for divorce, an issue that divided the nation almost equally, is surprising.
The office of President is limited and I certainly do not think anyone could have done more than President McAleese to foster reconciliation and show appreciation for all sections of our society. - Yours, etc.,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.