President’s flying visit defended

IN the Dáil on June 17, Fine Gael deputy Michael Ring made an allegation about “an office-holder” using a helicopter to attend the Connacht football final in Castlebar on July 13 last year.

Most people thought this was a minister as Mr Ring did not identify who he was talking about, but as the day wore on it emerged it was President Mary McAleese who was involved.

I recall the day well, as the president had earlier attended the national commemoration day at Kilmainham and was committed to be in Castlebar for the football game, which would be impossible by road, given the time and distance factor.

The president is commander-in-chief of the defence forces and I see nothing wrong with her use of the helicopter staffed by Air Corps crew who would be on duty in any event — maybe even on exercises with the craft.

Her role is ceremonial and, as such, she attends games of this kind whether it is Castlebar, Lansdowne Road, Thurles, or wherever — so it was part of her official functions. The helicopter landed on the back pitch and the president walked to her place, greeting children on the way. Her presence added much to the occasion. I did not hear any booing or protest.

As the president is above politics, does an excellent job and cannot answer back, I feel this was a cheap shot that should not have been fired.

In these stringent times everyone has to be careful in expenditure, but let’s not have witch-hunts.

I hope Deputy Ring’s party leader, Enda Kenny, distances himself and Fine Gael from this jibe.

Brendan Cafferty

Creggs Road

Ballina

Co Mayo