Sir, - The current debate about the Taoiseach and his partner reminds me of the time when, as a member of the Council of State (1991-97), I was honoured to be invited to my first State dinner. It was to mark the visit of the Icelandic president, if I recall correctly.
The story from the Aras at the time was that the then Taoiseach, one Charles J. Haughey, had vetoed the sending of an invitation to my (female, long-term, stable, happily unmarried) partner, Fiona MacMillan. Direct intervention from President Robinson had apparently been required to secure her unprecedented attendance.
Perhaps the Taoiseach had wind of our attempts to break a further taboo - assisted conception by donor insemination - or else he just knew we wouldn't enjoy the (non-existent) vegetarian option.
How long will it take us to recognise - and cherish - all our diversities on this island? - Yours, etc., Quintin Oliver,
Donegall Road, Belfast 12.