The bridge-builder

OUR struggle for peace and reconciliation is not a game, but a battle for the heart and soul of Ireland. Few of my generation (I am over 60) will not have experienced in some form or other the pain of sectarian hatred and bigotry.

In these circumstances it must have been an act of great personal courage for President McAleese to attend the recent commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

It must have been a harrowing experience for her, and I do not think she should have had to carry alone on our behalf the burden of Ireland’s history on this solemn occasion.

Her own unfortunate error of judgement surely underlines, but does not negate, the importance of her work in building bridges on this island, and at this time more than any other she is deserving of our wholehearted support.

Gerald Morgan

School of English

Trinity College

Dublin 2