Sir, – Peter Murtagh’s article “McGuinness’s link to IRA ‘execution’ merits attention” (Opinion and Analysis, September 29th) is revealing, brave and timely.
His amazing account of being “spoken to” by Martin McGuinness outside the home of executed IRA man Frank Hegarty is spine-chilling.
No one wants to see the debates on the presidency descend into a muck-raking contest, but a reasonably unblemished curriculum vitae is surely a must for such an important State job. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I feel it grossly unfair that one candidate in the presidential election is being repeatedly singled out over his unsavoury past. How many times does Sean Gallagher have to reiterate that he is no longer a member of Fianna Fáil? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Fintan OToole’s anger is causing him to make mistakes. He writes of Eamon de Valera, “His one outing as a military commander was during Easter 1916, at Boland’s Mills, where there was no fighting.” Half of all British casualties in 1916 were inflicted by de Valera’s 3rd Battalion, at one of its outposts on Mount Street. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Regarding Fintan O’Toole’s comments on the presidential candidacy of Martin McGuinness, I would like to point out that Mr McGuinness would never have been heard of if he were fortunate enough to have been born and raised in a country which had a democracy, civil rights, no sectarianism, no internment, no shoot-to-kill policy and no Bloody Sunday. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Why has Martin McGuinness not come out with all guns blazing? Is he keeping his powder dry? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Ulster Protestants, like Newton Emerson (Opinion Analysis, September 28th), are not alone in finding the Derry twins, Dana and Martin McGuinness, alien to them but by transposing the letter “A” between their Christian names the true nature of the threat is revealed – Martian DNA. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I am finding it very difficult to chose between a poet or a singer. I am disregarding the waffle from the others. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – As there seems to be so much interest in the correspondence written by Senator Norris some time ago, should he now be known as a “man of letters”? – Yours, etc,
A chara, – I had the great privilege of growing up with my grandfather Noel Browne, who was both a friend and supporter of both Michael D Higgins and David Norris.
I have no doubt that he would be delighted to see that they are both nominated to run for election to the Áras as excellent and honourable candidates and that the people of Ireland will be allowed to chose whom they wish.
During my grandfather’s lifetime, he spoke for many who could not be heard and defended many more who were looked down upon or shunned by society. His road was certainly not an easy one. I have no doubt that he would have certainly stood by David Norris and supported him as Mr Norris has committed no crime greater than asking for clemency for a close friend.
Now is a time for positive, productive and constructive politics in Ireland.
It is time to build rather than tear down.
Time to move on and let the people of Ireland decide their future president. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Wanted: Irish president. Successful applicant must be made of tempered steel; can put their shoulder behind the wheel while stepping up to the plate; doesn’t mind putting their foot in it once or twice; is able to stand on their own while being put through the fire. Must be willing to open the door to just about anybody. Driving licence not necessary. Herd of cattle not required but may be an advantage. – Yours, etc,