Sir, - Much of the current discussion on the relationship between Bertie Ahern and Celia Larkin and on Ms Larkin's role in accompanying Mr Ahern on public occasions is confused and confusing. We all know that Ms Larkin is Mr Ahern's "partner", but the recent comment of Archbishop Brady is apposite: we do not know the full circumstances of their relationship. Rory O'Hanlon and others have recently suggested that there is something "scandalous" in the relationship, but what can they have in mind? Is it wrong to like or love another person? Or to share a house or even a bed with them?
I can only surmise from veiled innuendo that their critics believe Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin to be engaged in a sexual relationship, contrary to the critics' religious beliefs, but who other than Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin know whether they enjoy such a relationship? Unless Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin choose to reveal whether or not they have a sexual relationship, their detractors should not have the effrontery to presume to assume.
As a separated person, Mr Ahern is entitled to choose who accompanies him on public occasions where Taoisigh are normally accompanied by a co-host/guest. There has been no suggestion that Ms Larkin has acted as an unwelcoming host or an ungrateful guest; so what is the problem? It is Mr Ahern's policies that should be publicly examined and criticised, not his choice of partner. - Yours, etc., Se d'Alton,
Palmerston Road, Dublin 6.