Cherchez la femme

Madam, - I quote the caption under Matt Kavanagh's large photograph on page six of your May 7th issue: "The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern…

Madam, - I quote the caption under Matt Kavanagh's large photograph on page six of your May 7th issue: "The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, greets the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Paul Murphy, at Farmleigh yesterday. Also in the photograph are the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair and the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice, Mr Cowen and Mr McDowell."

That is a total of five names (with Mr McDowell barely identifiable), but clearly visible in the picture is a sixth live human being. I believe her to be the general manager of Farmleigh, Ms Mary Heffernan, or if not a member of her staff. The lady is at the very centre of the photograph, holding the door for the aforementioned gentlemen.

Why isn't this lady named and her dignity upheld? I take great exception to any editor of The Irish Times, especially the first female incumbent, condoning such an omission! - Yours, etc.,

OLIVER McGRANE, Marley Avenue, Dublin 16.