Letters: Selecting Mary Lou McDonald to run for the Áras would be a wise move for Sinn Féín

Irish Independent

09-07-2025

Some commentators believe she would be in with a clear shot. We know she's a really good campaigner and has a really good public profile.
I believe this would be the kind of move for Sinn Féin that would put it back on the pitch in terms of advancing its agenda on day-to-day issues like housing and health, but also on its raison d'etre of having a united Ireland.
Win or lose, it would be a big, bold move for Sinn Féin to run its most high-profile person for the presidency, if that was the route it was willing to go down.
John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary
Mushroom murder trial is over, now let's move on to something more cheerful
When checking through quite a number of newspapers, there seems to be a limited range of news. In the UK it's the heat and Wimbledon, in the US it's Trump and flooding. But everywhere in the world, it's also Australia's mushroom killer.
Three people are dead, another has been injured and the jury has determined that Erin Patterson was guilty. Unless she wins an appeal, she will be in jail for a very long time.
Thirty-two words to deliver the verdict and it was done, but it seems millions more have been written about it.
It's time to forget Australia's deadly mushrooms, spiders, snakes and other animals and get back to reporting on our sports, celebrities – if we have any – and politics.
There must be something positive happening somewhere in the world. Please find it.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
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Encouraging to see the revival of Irish language across popular culture
There has been a revival of sorts in recent years in the Irish language, which is welcome. We have seen the success of films like An Cailín Ciúin that can stand on their own irresp­ective of what language is spoken. This year, the Galway Film Fleadh is showing 11 films as Gaeilge, twice last year's number. This points to a very healthy state of Irish-language productions.
Kneecap are popularising An Ghaeilge, especially with young people. This is a far cry from the attitude of my fellow classmates when we studied Peig nearly 50 years ago in secondary school.
This year, for the first time, the Galway International Arts Festival has Gaeilge ambassadors volunteering at events to encourage people to use their cúpla focal. There will be a pop-up Gaeltacht each day in Eyre Square between 1pm and 2pm.
The use of An Ghaeilge is becoming more mainstream. They may be small steps, but people's attitudes to the language are changing.
We have a long way to go before we experience the kind of revival the Welsh language has undergone in Wales, but as the seanfhocal says: 'De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin.'
Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Galway
It's about time somebody talked some sense into Trump over tariffs fiasco
It seems like lies and more lies with Trump's tariffs these days after the US president kicked the can down the road again on his punitive tariffs.
It might be a good idea if someone in his administration could now be bold enough to liberate him from his nonsensical tariff agenda.
Perhaps they should suggest he needs to focus all his attention on his much sought-after Nobel Peace Prize. He should be well on his way with the support of his warmongering pal Benjamin Netanyahu.
Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
Semi-final scoreboard mishap at Croke Park must be explained by GAA
During the closing minutes of the hurling semi-final last Sunday, my internal scoreboard did jolt with the one in the stadium. However, this was little more than momentary, as I quickly endorsed the integrity of what the Croke Park screens were displaying.
And while this 'mix-up' may, arguably, have disadvantaged Kil­kenny, the core concern is that of the integrity of the stadium's information processes.
Therefore, it's good to see the GAA quickly indicate that the matter would be investigated, and I hope, thereafter, that the reason for the mishap will be clearly explained.
Human error, in my view, would be more understandable and more forgiveable than a technology system failure.
How a lucky intervention from my wife saved me from Battle of the Oriel
As a Dundalk FC supporter I read with interest last Saturday's 'Battle of Oriel' piece ('This was not football, it was a riot. I might have had a reputation as a hard man, but I was frightened to death that night', July 5).
This, of course, referred to the European Champions League game between Dundalk and Linfield in 1979. In one of her many wise decisions down the years, my wife talked me out of attending the game. Luckily, I agreed.
Forty-six years later, I'm still going to and enjoying games in Oriel Park.
Mind you, for some people, the words 'head' and 'examined' may spring to mind.
Tom Gilsenan, Dublin 9
If this weather keeps up, we could be coolest tourist destination in Europe
As high temperatures make most of Europe to the south and east of this island unbearable, perhaps Fáilte Ireland could roll out this simple marketing slogan: 'Ireland is cool.'
David Loughlin, Dublin 6
Our Government must put pressure on Central Bank to stop sale of war bonds
Wicklow County Council has joined the dozen or so other councils around the country calling on the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) to stop facilitating the sale in the EU of Israeli war bonds.
Will our political leaders now recognise the will of the people throughout the country and instruct the CBI to cease this facility?
For all its rhetoric, the Irish Government is still effectively supporting Israel in its genocidal campaign. Is that how we want to be remembered?