Madam, – A claim was repeated (Home News, May 26th) that Fine Gael is “blocking” the nomination of David Norris for president at county council level. Perhaps “refusal to support the nomination of” Mr Norris would be a more appropriate term. Given that Fine Gael will have its own candidate in the election, why would it be expected that a party should help nominate an Independent candidate? Presumably Fine Gael councillors would prefer to instead support the far more qualified John Bruton, for example, should he emerge as a candidate. If Mr Norris refused to nominate a Fine Gael candidate for an election, the term “block” would not be used in the media in this case. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Over the past 10 days we have seen how important the role of the President can be as the face of Ireland. President McAleese, throughout the recent State visits, has proven to be a wonderful representative for this country.
It is in that context that I find it regrettable to read (Home News, May 25th) that former taoiseach John Bruton is struggling with himself to overcome his stated position that he does not have “huge enthusiasm” for the position of President of Ireland. Your report goes on to state that Mr Bruton is being prevailed upon to consider contesting and was doing so at present.
Does one who has to spend time considering his enthusiasm for the position of President of Ireland match up to the criteria for the position? I wonder how, in Mr Bruton’s own county, Sean Boylan, former All Ireland winning Meath GAA manager, would have responded to one of his senior players stating that he did not have huge enthusiasm for the season ahead.
I suspect he would not be on the bus. – Yours, etc,