Madam, - I commend Vincent Browne for his incisive critique of the McAleese presidency (Opinion, August 25), and add my voice to his plea that a presidential election be held..
As a young voter who aspires to a more inclusive and tolerant society, I have been singularly unimpressed by the President's seven years at Áras an Uachtaráin. Mrs McAleese has made no effort to challenge our attitudes and prejudices as a nation. Rather, she has adopted a passive and complacent style which is not only boring and vacuous, but also dangerous - because it allows us to forget about such subjects as injustice, racism and the value of diversity. It is dangerous because it lulls us into an unfortunate sense of superiority and self-congratulation which we can ill-afford.
Mrs McAleese's work in Northern Ireland is highly lauded, and so it might be, as she is essentially a one-issue president.
Let's hear what Mrs McAleese has to say - and hope that somebody vocal, fresh and modern comes forward to put her through her paces. - Yours, etc.,
MARK COEN,
Gort,
Co Galway.