Madam, - President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic has by his actions and words smashed the diplomatic protocol regarding visiting heads of state.
He can be accused of gross interference in another country's internal politics by his provocative meeting with Declan Ganley of Libertas and his subsequent inappropriate comments.
Mr Klaus must be censured for these deeds. A formal complaint must be lodged in order to restore some dignity to the Irish Government in this matter. - Yours, etc,
DAVID WHELAN,
Clara,
Co Offaly.
Madam, - It has been reported that the Department of Foreign Affairs has told the Czech embassy of its unhappiness at the Czech president's decision to meet Declan Ganley of Libertas during his state visit to Ireland. I am disappointed that Iveagh House should involve itself in this matter, especially as the Irish people have delivered their verdict on the Lisbon Treaty and in view of the Czech nation's struggle with the same issue. Like Mr Klaus, I believe the treaty is "dead", and there the matter should rest.
Both the Czech Republic and Ireland have big neighbours which have not always been helpful and naturally this encourages a sense of independent thought and action. I therefore believe it would be more useful if our Government could be more encouraging of Mr Klaus's desire - and indeed the desire of the Czech people - to come to an independent view on this contentious issue. - Yours, etc,
VINCENT CARROLL,
Newbridge Avenue,
Dublin 4.
Madam, - The Department of Foreign Affairs has some gall. Its indignation at an official visitor to Ireland meeting Declan Ganley stands in stark contrast to its own official policy of meeting so-called opposition figures when any Irish official visits Cuba.
What's sauce for the goose. . . - Yours, etc,
SIMON McGUINNESS,
Cuba Support Group Ireland,
Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.
Madam, - While the Czech president is embarrassing himself and his nation during his visit to Ireland, you need to know that most of us Czechs do not share his negative attitude to the EU. Don't forget this is a man who also believes that global warming does not exist (he has written a book about it) and has an unhealthy admiration for Russia.
He is not to be taken seriously. - Yours, etc,
MICHAL BOLESLAV MECHURA,
Sráid Dhoiminic,
Baile Ãtha Cliath 1.