Presidential Inauguration

Sir, - It was very clear throughout the Presidential campaign that Mary McAleese's religious commitment would get up the noses…

Sir, - It was very clear throughout the Presidential campaign that Mary McAleese's religious commitment would get up the noses of The Irish Times's columnists. Now, the mere mention of the Child of Bethlehem is enough to send Mary Holland off in a tirade of unwarranted criticism.

President McAleese is well qualified to understand the grief and hurt which atrocities on both sides have caused in the North. She is also well aware of the difficulties which will beset the peace process, and has had the courage to get involved.

When did we ever hear of the arrogance and smugness of Mary Robinson? Would Mary Holland try to accept that a profound religious commitment is not a bar to public office? - Yours, etc., Thomas Nolan,

Kill Lane,

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Dublin 18.