President should be praised

THERE was a bit of noise during the week about politicians arriving at the Connacht Final last year by helicopter. When the politician in question turned out to be the no 1 VIP in the country, the President of Ireland, media interest increased.

There are different views on this – on the face of it, a VIP arriving by helicopter for a major game shouldn’t be such an eyebrow-raising event anymore, but in these recessionary times all items of public expenditure are under severe scrutiny.

Still, the President is no ordinary politician. In fact, the office is almost above politics – it’s a role that’s largely ceremonial and involves attending various functions around the country. In this regard it requires a lot of prioritisation, and over the years it’s become accepted that the President attends the All-Ireland Finals as a matter of duty. It’s probably true to say that some past Presidents wouldn’t have been big fans of the games and went to All-Ireland Finals as a matter of obligation more than enjoyment. That could not be said about the current incumbent Mary McAleese.