Sir, - I disagree with Mr Leslie W. Lucas that Mrs Robinson was entitled to dress as she did when visiting the Pope. She promised to represent all the people and as a Catholic Irishwoman, I am very angry that she did not show proper deference to Pope John Paul. If the Queen, the head of a State as well as the head of a Church, can dress as protocol dictates, why could our President not do the same?
The Pope does not dictate how anyone should dress when visiting him, but neither does Mrs Robinson regarding how dignatories should dress when visiting Aras an Uachtarain. However, I venture to suggest that there would be some outcry if protocol was not observed during such a visit.
It may not seem of much consequence to Mr Lucas that Mrs Robinson refused to wear a veil in the Vatican, and that would be the case if she were there in a private capacity. When she did so as President of Ireland, she failed to show the respect and reverence due to Pope John Paul, and she did so in our name. I, for one, should like an apology. - Yours, etc.,
Ardeskin,
Donegal Town.