Madam, - The decision of the Opposition political parties not to nominate candidates for a presidential election infringes my right to choose.
I vote in the Tallaght Central ward for local elections and the Dublin South West constituency for Dáil Elections. I have no say in the election of politicians outside these areas. Yet these very same politicians then decide, on my behalf, that they will not back a process which would ensure a presidential election - an election I would welcome.
Maybe the Constitution should be re-examined, but this won't happen before the close of nominations. In the meantime, I call on council members and members of the Oireachtas to nominate presidential candidates other than Mrs McAleese. - Yours, etc.,
RALPH McGARRY, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Madam, - I was dismayed by the Labour Party's decision not to put forward a candidate. At the age of 45, I had an opportunity to vote in only two presidential elections. In a republic, that is farcical. It is as damaging for the office of president as for the standing of our political system.
The debate in the 1991 Presidential campaign facilitated a process of social and economic change that was unprecedented in modern Irish history. Equally, the 1997 election allowed this debate to continue. In both elections there were candidates who represented differing views of the Irish state and society. This is obviously not going to happen this time and many people will feel disenfranchised.
It is a shame that all those parties with the capability to nominate a candidate have declined to do so - particularly the Labour Party, as it has a different view of Irish society from the two main conservative parties. It also had a willing and able candidate available in Michael D. Higgins who has widespread respect and admiration throughout the country.
Labour's decision shows a lack of political leadership. And I fear that serious damage has been caused to the office of president by the failure of the main parties to participate in an electoral contest. - Yours, etc.,
ODRAN REID, Willow Park Grove, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.
A chara, - For the rest of his self-aggrandising tenure as leader of what was the Labour Party, anything that Pat Rabbitte says or does is compromised by his shameful treatment of an honourable man. - Is mise,
MAURA HARRINGTON, Doohoma, Ballina, Co Mayo.