Madam, - Regarding Michael Parsons's plea for us to be nice this weekend when Mr Bush annexes West Clare (Opinion, June 22nd), I'm afraid I must exercise my right to free speech and protest at his visit. Mr Parsons is correct in saying that the relationship between the American and Irish peoples (not states) should be celebrated - but not during the visit of the man who has done more to damage that relationship than any president in recent history.
I believe a sizeable section of the American public would applaud such a protest.
There is nothing wrong with criticising the leader of another country - especially when that country holds the rest of the world over a barrel, if you'll pardon the pun. - Yours, etc.,
BARRY WALSH, Church Road, Blackrock, Cork.
Madam, - Let me get this right. Last weekend the Limerick region was in traffic gridlock as all the available gardaí were overseeing the Army welding shut every manhole on a road that will be closed for a presidential visit in which the principal visitor will travel by helicopter the short distance from Shannon to Dromoland. This must be a record of some description. - Yours, etc.,
FINIAN COGHLAN, Clare Street, Limerick.