Sir, - I read with some consternation Saturday’s article by Jack Horgan-Jones concerning official and political criticism of President Catherine Connolly for her attendance at the Defence of Democracy conference in Barcelona (“Government and civil servants uneasy over President’s choice of first overseas trip”, Politics, April 18th). Jones had been briefed by “multiple sources” about this dissatisfaction, including officials in my old workplace, the Department of Foreign Affairs.
There was unease that she had not chosen the UK for her first overseas trip as President. It was also a problem that she was travelling to Barcelona and not the capital Madrid. She would be meeting Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez, among others, but a meeting with the king of Spain would, apparently, have been more appropriate.
These seem very flimsy reasons to be briefing the media against Connolly. To these transgressions was added the further complaint that neither the US nor UK would be present in Barcelona. Hardly countries with stellar records in defending democracies around the world.
Connolly was elected overwhelmingly as President of Ireland on a clear policy line which included the defence of democracies. If the electorate wanted a president who would carefully follow the Government’s instructions, then either of the two other presidential candidates would have been successful. Perhaps Connolly’s real sin was winning that election and she has not been forgiven by some factions.
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In the circumstances, my clear advice to my former diplomatic colleagues is to steer clear of giving anonymous briefings to journalists on these lines and to respect fully the democratic process. – Yours, etc,
RAY BASSETT,
Former Diplomat and Irish ambassador,
Castleknock,
Dublin.
A great role model for girls
Sir, - I was delighted to see President Connolly ruffling a few feathers with her choice for her first overseas trip.
It’s reassuring that we have a head of State who can make decisions based on values and wise judgment, rather than following protocol. Humanity is heading for oblivion because of people being too afraid to break with the status quo – it’s wonderful to have a President who can withstand disapproval and carry on with courage and wisdom.
She is a wonderful role model for women and girls in particular, who are too often socialised to please others rather than doing what they believe is right. – Yours, etc,
FIONNUALA LARKIN,
Dungarvan,
Co Waterford.
