Sir, - In all the correspondence regarding the protocol to be adopted in inviting Cardinal Connell to a reception in his honour, I have yet to see anybody ask why the reception should ever have been held in the first instance. Given the pious posturings of the Dean of St. Patrick's followed (necessarily) by similar antics from the Cardinal himself, is it not time to cease having State receptions for any religious leaders whatever their persuasion? Yours, etc.,
Fintan Gibney, River Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.