Cearbhall O Dalaigh

Sir, - An article by Dick Walsh on former Presidents, (The Irish Times, September 9th) refers to a book by Stephen Collins, The…

Sir, - An article by Dick Walsh on former Presidents, (The Irish Times, September 9th) refers to a book by Stephen Collins, The Cosgrave Legacy, in which Cearbhall O Dalaigh is described as "exuberant, opinionated, a bit of a showoff and quick to stand on his dignity."

As one who knew Cearbhall for many years, I am quite astonished by this description. Exuberant he may have been on occasions, but by no stretch of the imagination could the remaining characteristics be attributed to him. - Yours, etc.,

Park Avenue, Dublin 4.