A Trump visit to Ireland would serve only to provide a platform to a man of no principles
WHAT is worrying about a possible visit of President Trump to Ireland is that it would contribute significantly to the normalisation of the antics of his regime, and to the further extension of the myth of him as a man of the people who purports to believe in the sovereignty of those who feel unrepresented by the political elite.
The real problem with President Trump is that, with his over-riding habit of being outrageous, we can easily miss when he says or does something that constitutes a threat to democracy.
In this respect, recent revelations concerning the chaotic and dysfunctional life at the White House make for very unsettling reading.
There is little doubt Russia played a significant part in putting a man in power who immediately began to undermine the western alliance.
Every move he makes is fuelled by crude right-wing, anti-immigrant populism.
There is so much afoot in the Trump world that gives cause for concern.
What is particularly alarming is the irrational and persistent denigration of the press, and his many attempts to undermine the judicial system.
Trump began as an almost religious zealot seeking to purify America from all that gets in his way. He was steadily constrained to adjust expectations downwards, becoming fuelled by rage and resentment as his insatiable need to be in charge was frustrated.
He was now ready to pay any price to be in control as he denigrated and dehumanised all opposition, gradually becoming trapped in the grip of paranoia and suspicion.
Trump reflects none of the values that constitute our way of life. There needs to be a compelling reason to provide a platform for one who does not seem to be moored to any set of principles, while drowning in a sea of vacuous slogans.
Thank God there is far more to life than meets the mind of President Trump. Philip O’Neill Edith Road, Oxford, England