Sir, - Now I know. One does not have to live in the Republic of Ireland, pay taxes or even have a vote to hold the highest office in the land. I also know it is not a political office, but political parties play an important and ugly role in electing the President. I have learnt a great deal about this adopted land of mine during the past six weeks, after 30 years of living here. I am very grateful that our new President will also be my President, even though I am an "outsider" - and reluctantly conscious of it - of late! - Yours, etc.,
Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin.