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.