Race for the Aras
•At the risk of adding to the "much ado about nothing" tableau concerning the race for the park, can I respectfully suggest that the Aras be handed over to Brother Kevin Crowley who has been feeding Dublin's homeless for more than four decades?
Transforming the presidential residence into a soup kitchen would be a fitting testament to the folie de grandeur that has made us a nation of supplicants.
President Robinson once reached out to the Irish diaspora by placing a light in its window.
Greed, self-love and extravagance have come home to bite us.
Perhaps the Aras could now be a beacon of humility to reflect our new status.
Bring us your poor, your tired and your huddled masses and so on.
It would be a small token of redress to all those that were bypassed by the Celtic Tiger -- or should that be the Hibernian Hyena?
A E Morris
Blackrock, Co Dublin
Tim Pat Coogan (Letters, August 24) is absolutely right to question the presidency.
Looking at where the country is right now, and the gargantuan task that faces us in renewing and rebuilding our economy, every public role should be scrutinised and every national institution must be expected to earn its keep.
We all know the powers of the president are limited but that doesn't mean that the next president, whoever they may be, will not be able to play a real role in repairing Ireland's reputation on the international stage and encouraging the development of a more respectful, fair and equal society at home.
The hard lessons that we are learning now are not only economic ones, but social ones too.
For many, Ireland has become a tough place to live, to work, and to rear a family.
As well as looking at our national situation from an economic point of view, we should also be debating the type of society that we want to develop, both for ourselves and for future generations.
This is an area where our president can play a role.
In addition, Ireland also has a tarnished reputation internationally following the collapse of our once respected economy.
I believe that the next president has to prioritise representing Ireland overseas, telling the story of our recovery to the world, to possible investors and to new markets.
The president can play a defined and important role in this.
One of the factors in any crisis should be that everything is put on the table for debate.
The presidency should be no different.
There is a job of work to do in Ireland, not only in economic recovery but also in social recovery, and it is in these areas that I see the presidency focusing on in the years ahead.
Mary Davis , Independent Presidential Candidate
Sutton, Dublin 13
Many will agree entirely with the sentiments expressed by Tim Pat Coogan (Letters, August 24).
Despite the great success of President Mary McAleese, the presidency is outmoded and an unnecessary expense at a time of great hardship for an awful lot of people here.
If the office of president must be continued then why can it not be an honorary position -- with only a nominal honorarium and no lavish expenses?
The honour should be sufficient. In these straitened times, such a move would have the support of our people -- though perhaps not of our politicians with their eyes set on a future in a "well-paid old folks' home" -- and would not even require a constitutional amendment.
P O'Brien
Dublin
At least we know Tim Pat Coogan (Letters, August 24) will not be entering the race for the Phoenix Park.
Then again, there is a "never say never" aspect to this particular shindig, with possible candidates popping in and out of contention.
His letter might be considered in the double bluff mode, with an eventual acquiescence to run, stand, or otherwise undertake the burden of leadership for the good of the country.
Robert Sullivan
Bantry, Co Cork
Irish Independent
