The McAleese presidency

Madam, - I was saddened to read Vincent Browne's recent attack on President McAleese

Madam, - I was saddened to read Vincent Browne's recent attack on President McAleese. Mr Browne has clearly failed to understand the impact of her presidency on ordinary people all across the country, especially older citizens.

Madam, - I was saddened to read Vincent Browne's recent attack on President McAleese. Mr Browne has clearly failed to understand the impact of her presidency on ordinary people all across the country, especially older citizens.

President McAleese has recognised and cherished Ireland's older people and has always highlighted their contribution through voluntary work in every area of community life. Her profound understanding of the aspirations of older people to contribute and to be valued is a significant step forward for official Ireland and is, I believe, to be very warmly welcomed. Surely a President for all the people, she reflects - for me, at least - an open and welcoming Ireland, with values which represent the real Ireland.

The human dimension of high political office is too often lost in the modern world. I have no doubt that Ireland is a far better place for the presence of President McAleese in Áras an Uachtaráin. Her promotion of reconciliation and fraternity through quiet but effective links between communities in both parts of this island is a major step forward and will bring important dividends for all of us in the future.

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Each of our presidents has brought his or her unique personality and ability to the office and it is a great pity that Mr Browne has failed to take more than a superficial view of the reported speeches of President McAleese. For my part I would like to record a very big "Thank You". - Yours, etc.,

MARY NALLY, Trim Road, Summerhill, Co Meath.