Sir, - As an academic, Cardinal Connell knew exactly what he was saying, when he gave the interview for publication. Given that politics plays an appreciable, albeit unwelcome, part in the deliberations of the Catholic Church's upper echelons, it is not unreasonable to expect that due caution is taken when issuing statements to the media. One has only to read the press releases of Mgr Novaro-Valls or Cardinal Josef Ratzinger to appreciate this facility. As Shakespeare said "they are the lords and masters of their faces".
Cardinal Connell's lack of pastoral experience has had an unfortunate sideline in his dealings with the media and with the general public. The rarefied atmosphere of the graves of academe may be no preparation for an incumbent of the Archbishop's Palace in a sprawling diocese like Dublin. However, it surely leads one to expect a command of the English language that obviates deliberate insults such as perpetrated in the interview.
Dr Empey is one of that rare breed, a true Christian, and he has brought to the See of Dublin the warmth of spirit that one expects from a religious leader. Perhaps we should all think of attending one of his Sunday services, on his return from holiday, to express our solidarity with him. That way we could return some of that warmth that he has extended to the people of Dublin. - Yours, etc.,
Desmond Graham, Donnycarney, Dublin 5.