Madam, - The intemperate tirade hurled at President McAleese by Mark Coen (February 4th) calls for some response. He informs us that "the undemocratic genesis of her second term was breathtaking in its arrogance". Even more breathtaking is Mr Coen's ignorance of the provisions of Bunreacht na hÉireann.
The Constitution clearly states that an outgoing President may nominate himself or herself for a further term. Mrs McAleese did precisely that and was able and willing to fight an election campaign. The fact that the Opposition failed to nominate a challenger is hardly the President's fault, so Mr Coen's allegation of arrogance is quite baffling.
Mrs McAleese's public approval ratings are unprecedented for an Irish Head of State. This is not surprising because both at home and abroad she has been a superb ambassador for our country.
Mr Coen notes that the President is human (most people are). I believe it is her humanity and warmth which has endeared her to so many. I agree the "Auschwitz" comment was a mistake. The President's rare slip was indeed human but her ample apology was truly presidential.- Yours, etc.,
Father IGGY O'DONOVAN, Rome, Italy.