The Irish President, Mr Higgins, maintains that the letter he sent to the new Iranian President of what is widely considered a harsh regime was a typical diplomatic correspondence shared whenever there’s a new national leader (News, 23rd September). However, it must be understood that the true governing authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran is Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, not the President, Pezeshkian. Given that Mr Higgins is representing the Irish people, he should consider making his congratulatory letters to newly elected leaders worldwide public. We eagerly anticipate viewing the letters dispatched to Donald Trump, Viktor Orbán and Giorgia Meloni praising their various election successes.
President Higgins, if your heartfelt congratulatory note to President Masoud Pezeshkian, the fresh face of Iran, is above reproach, why does the mere thought of its publication bother you so much? If you genuinely believe that enthusiastically welcoming a leader from a nation infamous for disregarding women’s rights is just diplomatic protocol, why worry about who discloses or disseminates the correspondence? Remember, this is not new ground for President Higgins as he notably extolled Fidel Castro after his passing, despite Cuba’s appalling human rights record.
Moreover, I question whether the newly-appointed Iranian President will bother expressing gratitude to president Higgins for his letter once his term concludes next year. Does the Iranian President even recognise President Higgins, let alone care about him?
Dear Sir/Madam,
Opinions are divided concerning a recent communication sent by our President, Michael D Higgins, to his counterpart in Iran. Critics argue that this note, which is routine in the world of diplomacy, has sparked unnecessary conflict, devoid of any real substance.
It is common knowledge that Ireland maintains diplomatic ties with Iran, making it suitable for our President to send the letter in question. The issue that takes centre stage, however, is the alleged involvement of the Israeli embassy in fuelling this artificial controversy. This is assumed to be a retaliation to the President’s vocal critique of Israel’s actions against the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The role of the Israeli embassy should solely be to keep abreast of Irish public sentiments and relay Israeli viewpoints to our Government. Any involvement in our domestic political discourse is entirely unacceptable. If adherence to standard diplomatic etiquette proves challenging, it could be suggested that the embassy cease operations. I wholeheartedly praise our President’s unwavering backing of the Palestinian cause, regardless of any disapproval from the Israeli embassy.
It’s with great disapproval that I read the letters published on September 24th, which were overwhelmingly critical of President Higgins for several facets of the said letter. Although I share some concerns, particularly relating to the repercussions of the President’s communication, labelling him as “the worst president in our State’s history” is unfounded.
Our three latest Presidents, Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese, and particularly Michael D Higgins, have perceptibly examined and challenged the constitutional confines of the Irish Presidency. For this endeavours, I am deeply grateful. Despite the controversy that may surround these novel approaches, I fervently aspire for the Presidential office to steer clear of becoming merely a ceremonial role for favoured politicians, obligatorily signing bills and ceremoniously opening sport or community centres. I expect the post to be more than just a purveyor of hospitality to foreign dignitaries and the occasional public appearances over tea.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Gannon,
Kilkenny.
Dear Editor,
I query whether it was President Higgins’ intention for the details of this correspondence to remain hidden from the Irish citizens, those whom he has been elected to serve? Was the Government previously informed about the substance of this letter and did it grant its sanction?
Additionally, are we aware of anyone else receiving letters from the President in his professional role during his current term? It feels reasonable to assume that all professional exchanges originating from Áras ought to receive clearance from the Government and be made accessible to the Irish populace.
Yours sincerely,
PETER MOLLOY,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.