Sir, - I agree with President McAleese about women priests. It is discriminatory to exclude half the human race from the priesthood. The fact that society in the Middle East 2,000 years ago was a patriarchy is irrelevant. Apart from the discriminatory aspect, it is stupid to exclude so much talent and ability in a time when there is such a shortage of personnel.
In addition to her intervention on behalf of women in the Church, I would ask the President to encourage women to participate more in the political system. At this time of unprecedented crisis for the credibility of the democratic system in Ireland it would be opportune if the President were to use her influence to get women, who are in the majority in the electorate, to put themselves forward for election.
Women are selling themselves short in the political system since they have the numbers to vote a lot more women into power. With the present widespread disillusion with politicians, women should get involved to help to reform the present political system. Among the many items on which women could wield an influence are health and childcare. These two services would receive higher priority if more women were in positions of power. - Yours, etc.,
Tony Leavy, Shielmartin Drive, Sutton, Dublin 13.