The Presidential Election

Sir, - The attempt to discredit Adi Roche has all the hallmarks of a political smear campaign. Masquerading as "concerned ex-colleagues", her opponents have brought nit-picking, malice, and begrudgery to an art form in their attack on her character.

First, they indicated to the media that evidence of "Stalinist tactics" employed by Adi would be provided in "due course". They promised to expose her as a person "unfit to hold high office".

What a damp squib this muchheralded evidence turned out to be: a tape-recording of Adi admonishing a group of workers about hygiene, office procedures, etc., and giving a pep talk about the role of the charity she founded. Nothing wrong with that. If anything, the tape transcript reinforces the view that this woman has what it takes to be President of Ireland: courage, commitment, leadership qualities and organisational ability.

To add grist to the rumour mill, her detractors then leaked a report about her brother's army record with the aim of tainting both their reputations and undermining her bid for the Aras. The report was shown to be inaccurate and part fabrication.

So much for the nest of vipers. Adi Roche has brought hope and love to children who would otherwise have been condemned to a fate worse than death. She never claimed to be an angel, she never asked to put on a pedestal from which the knockers could drag her down. But she does deserve enormous credit for her work.

I will certainly vote for her. The other candidates are totally lacking in charisma. The supposed front-runner has as much colour as the dark side of the moon! - Yours, etc.,

Callan, Co Kilkenny.