Sir, - It doesn't take an intellectual high-flyer to see the offence that will be caused to many by the latest ill-judged offerings from Dr Connell. It is surely an embarrassment to many in his own flock and beyond that the cardinal should make such a frequent and consistent habit of demonstrating the extent to which he is ignorant of and removed from the feelings and opinions of many of his own laity and clergy, let alone those long driven outside the influence of any church by comments such as these.
For the cardinal to invite comparison of his ministry with that of Archbishop Walton Empey, a Christian of tangible spirituality and a human being of immense compassion, seems foolhardy to say the least. For his part, which Christian or indeed human virtue does the cardinal intend to exhibit in these latest remarks? - Yours, etc.,
Andrew McLellan, Kevin Street, Dublin 8.