McAleese to face internet trial over Nice Treaty remarks

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese is facing a grilling tomorrow from members of the public over her controversial remarks about the Nice Treaty.

The President has agreed to take part in an online internet chat in which she will face a series of questions about her role as head of State.

Ms McAleese will give her response to queries on a variety of issues when she participates in an online debate being broadcast on the Eircom website at www.eircom.net tomorrow evening between 7pm and 8pm.

A spokesperson for Ms McAleese said tomorrow’s internet chat was part of a series of access initiatives undertaken by the President since assuming office five years ago.

“The purpose of the event is to demonstrate the President’s commitment to a process of open communications between the presidency and the Irish community, at home and abroad, in a manner which transcends barriers of distance or disability,” said the spokesperson.

Tomorrow’s online chat is the sixth such event in which Ms McAleese has participated since she became the first Irish head of State to use internet technology for a live interview in March 1998.

Members of the public have been invited to submit questions in advance of the interview.

However, the President’s spokesperson said the request was not designed to restrict subjects for debate but to eliminate any questions which Ms McAleese could not answer because of her constitutional role.

Nevertheless, the President can expect to face queries about her reaction to the controversy sparked by recent comments she made in relation to the Nice Treaty during a State visit to Greece earlier this month.

Ms McAleese was heavily criticised by opponents of the Nice Treaty for declaring the forthcoming referendum as pivotal for enlargement of the EU.

Green TD John Gormley also came under attack for his remarks in advising the President to “butt out” of the political debate. However, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern supported the President and said she had responded “in an entirely appropriate way” about the Nice referendum.

Internet users can follow the live question and answer session with President McAleese tomorrow evening at www.eircom.net/president starting at 7pm.