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A chara, – I doubt that John E O’Beirne (February 9th) speaks for many Irish-Americans in feeling that, having left Irish politicians behind, he doesn’t want to see their “ugly mugs” on St Patrick’s Day visits to the White House. Even if he did, it would be irrelevant. The purpose of such visits is hardly to subject Mr O’Beirne to unappealing countenances. Rather, it is to keep a relationship that is vital to Ireland on the US agenda. Yes, there is a degree of ritual and symbolism in this tradition, but it serves a purpose.