Sir, I was pleased to read in today's Irish Times (January 24th) the article by your Religious Affairs Correspondent, Andy Pollak, in which Archbishop Donald Caird was rightly hailed as a "much loved leader". I was less pleased and my displeasure will, I know, be shared by the clergy and laity of Meath and Kildare by the tone of the speculation by Mr Pollak in which he claims that the Most Rev Walton Empey may be precluded from the Dublin Diocese for health reasons".
It certainly is news to me that Bishop Empey enjoys anything but the best of health. This can be attested to by all who have any dealings with him inside or outside of his own diocese.
It may be that Mr Pollak can substantiate his remark, drawing on files unknown to the rest of us. I suggest that he "clear the air" by doing so. Unless he can and does, then I feel it was a pity to spoil an otherwise interesting article by what can only be guessed as being gossip. Yours, etc., (Archdeacon of Kildare), St Mary's Rectory, Geashill, Offaly.