Madam, - I welcome Vincent Browne's attempts to provoke a debate on the McAleese presidency.
Perhaps such a debate might include a reference to An Uachtarán's decision not to refer the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003 to the Council of State.
If that body had been permitted to affirm or otherwise comment on the constitutionality of that legislation, the continuing disquiet over the operation of this Act might have been averted. - Yours, etc.,
GER BARNARD, Braganza, Athy Road, Carlow.
Madam, - Given your Letters page sample (August 28th) of the unfavourable response to the treatment by two of your columnists of the President and the former Primate of All-Ireland, could it be that your editorial indulgence to the writers in question is beginning to border on the misguided?
Vincent Browne, who prides himself on his investigative journalistic credentials, is poised to launch a new magazine next month: he is given space in your newspaper to dish up such cold porridge on the future of the presidency. And surely Newton Emmerson's distinctly unfunny piece on the launch of Cardinal Daly's latest book (Opinion, August 26th) exposes a dearth of humorous writers - or at least ones who might be induced to contribute to The Irish Times.
Readers will be aware, however, that among your own journalists there is Frank McNally, who has made his mark as a writer with a gift of genuine light-heartedness when he is provided with the opportunity. Isn't it surely a mistake to allow standards at The Irish Times to be so needlessly undermined as in the instances complained of - rightly - by your correspondents? - Yours, etc.,
DES CRYAN, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Madam, Vincent Browne (Opinion, September 1st) complains about the absence of a serious campaign to oust President McAleese. Rather than implore others to take on the burden of seeking the presidency, perhaps he could help fill this void by seeking the nomination himself? He is over 35, has a national profile and already acts as if he is above politics.
I'm sure many politicians would only be too delighted to allow Mr Browne to submit himself to the scrutiny to which he regularly submits others. All he would have to do is demonstrate consistency and practise what he preaches. - Yours, etc.,
STEPHEN NOLAN, Delaford Avenue, Firhouse Road, Dublin 16.