Madam, - The recent photograph of Donald Rumsfeld addressing US Marines on Irish sovereign soil was stomach churning (The Irish Times, February 23rd). As far as I am aware Ireland is still a neutral State and our political leaders assure us that this is so.
Hot on the heels of this bellicose display we are told that Mr Bush is to visit Ireland next June. Is this arrogant Government completely immune to the hundreds of thousands who marched, not against the US, but against the war in Iraq? If Government leaders imagine they can appeal to concerned citizens not to protest at the visit, they are mistaken.
I will be marching and attempting to persuade my party to be pro-active on this matter. I will also appeal to the many concerned members of the public to join peaceful protests against this visit and send a signal to the Government that it cannot disregard the wishes of people on this matter, nor tell us how and when we can protest.
We are all aware that the motive behind the visit is the impending election in the US. I do not intend to be part of the Government's propaganda machine for Mr Bush. I would rather focus my energies on supporting peaceful resolution to world conflict, - Yours etc.,
Cllr MARY WHITE,
Deputy Leader, Green Party,
Killedmond,
Borris,
Co Carlow.
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Madam, - So Bertie Ahern hopes the forthcoming visit by President Bush will not be marked by demonstrations? Two chances of that, Taoiseach - and slim just left town. - Yours, etc.,
THEO DORGAN,
Dublin 13.