Sir, - The impressive grasp of matters religious and the broad general knowledge displayed by the Taoiseach's special adviser, Martin Mansergh (March 1st), obviously does not extend to arboriculture, since on page 6 we have a picture of Mr Ahern attempting to plant a medium-sized tree in deep frozen snow!
The chances of this specimen commemorating National Tree Week are remote. It must first survive a frozen root-ball, then subsequent waterlogging when the thaw sets in. The high winds of March will then wreak their toll. One of the several tree societies in Ireland could have been pressed to be extra special advisers to the Taoiseach. - Yours, etc. David Dowsett, Wesley Heights, Dundrum, Dublin 16.