Sir, - Ms Liz O'Donnell led the pack in attacking our new Cardinal for his attitude towards Celia Larkin, the Taoiseach's "partner". She does this on the grounds that the Catholic Church may not speak on matters of morality (and that, in effect, the Cardinal may not carry out the duties for which he was elected) because of the actions of paedophile clergy in the Church. This blackening of the whole Catholic Church because of the sins of the few has become commonplace. Ms O'Donnell sees no illogicality in adopting a high moral tone herself and speaking on behalf of the "generality" of Catholics in Ireland (which she has no authority or competence to do) although it cannot have escaped her notice that many in her own profession have behaved in ways which have damaged the reputation of all politicians in this country, who were never held in lower esteem than at present. Does she consider this unjust?
Bertie Ahern is generally very skilful in defending himself from attack. Nevertheless, some of his colleagues in Government have hastened to speak on his behalf in a manner that smacks of sycophancy. The fact is that Mr Ahern's partner has proved to be an embarrassment on occasions at home and abroad - the last time being in the US on St Patrick's Day: Mr Ahern's determination to force those who do not wish to do so to accept and welcome Celia Larkin is divisive and probably harmful to us abroad as well as at home.
Liz O'Donnell and others seems to seek only to harm the Catholic Church and to insult those members of the Church who share the Cardinal's views and uphold his right to instruct his flock.
How strange that the Church of Ireland has escaped all the brick-bats! - Yours, etc.,
M M Ireland, Priory Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.