The President Mrs Mary McAleese should change the title of her office so as not to offend loyalists, politicians attending the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin were told today.
In a submission to the third plenary session of the forum since it was reconvened, Mr David Nicholl, a community development worker with the Derry-based Ulster Prisoners Aid group claimed loyalists objected to Mrs McAleese calling herself President of Ireland.
He told the forum in Dublin Castle that in a discussion with loyalists in preparation for today's meeting they felt the use of the term "President of Ireland" contradicted the dropping of the constitutional claims over Northern Ireland following the Belfast Agreement.
"The Irish Government should remain conscious of its promise to eradicate its constitutional claim to the jurisdiction of Northern Ireland," he said.
"While I mean no offence to the present holder of the office, the constitutional title of President of Ireland contains a claim to my country.
"Ireland may be one land mass but is for all intents and purposes two separate nations.
"As a confidence building measure I would strongly recommend that the holder of this office be referred to as the President of Eire or President of the Republic of Ireland and this change noted in all official documentation sent to members of my community from the holder of that office when visiting Northern Ireland or inviting others to official functions in Dublin."
Mr Nicholl was representing a group which helps the families of loyalist prisoners.
PA