Sir, - With all the hyperbole that marked the end of the Robinson Presidency, the recent article by John Waters was refreshing in its balance, insight and very valid criticism.
Mrs Robinson regularly talked of inclusiveness, but her vision of inclusiveness specifically excluded 50 per cent of the population i.e. men, unless they are disabled, travellers or homosexuals. To use one of her own favourite phrases, she was a President for Mna na hEireann and a few other minority groups but had no time for or interest in Fir na hEireann or their well-being. Indeed if the very articulate and knowledgable Mrs Robinson were asked to speak on the difficulties and forms of discrimination suffered by men and fathers, she would be struck dumb.
John Waters stated that "suicide figures will confirm that men are now among the most demoralised and alienated minorities in this society . . ." And " we/they are now perhaps the most denigrated and discriminated against of our definable minorities." Mrs Robinson and her sycophantic fans would probably have no idea what John Waters is talking about, even though they are major contributors to the problem.
Now that four candidates for the presidency have been nominated, it appears that we are going to have more of the same. All four are women who, to a greater or lesser extent, are trying to present themselves as Mary Robinson clones. Rather than another version of her, what we need is a President who has a truly inclusive vision of society - not just Mna na hEireann or Fir na hEireann. Someone who can see that equality is an issue for all, not just women; who has an insight into the injustices and discrimination suffered by groups such as men and fathers, which are rarely highlighted and never addressed.
The silly paranoia which prevented any of the nominating bodies from choosing a man as candidate is clear evidence of how far overboard our society has gone in trying to satisfy vociferous feminism. If we wanted true equality between the sexes, the electorate should have at least member of each sex to choose from therefore we need one more candidate in the field i.e. a man who has the qualities referred to above. The obvious choice, in my view, is John Waters.
Since some of our county councils have asserted their independence and struck a blow for democracy and the common good by nominating Dana. Surely some of them could similarily redress the serious deficit in the current line-up of candidates by nominating John Waters. - Yours, etc.,
Michael Stephens,
Aylesbury, Tallaght, Dublin 24.