I watched the programme about the visit of President Kennedy to this country on RTÉ last night, produced and narrated by broadcaster, Ryan Tubridy.

I have seen many such programmes over the years, and I have always been impressed by the ceremony at Arbour Hill, when President Kennedy laid a wreath in honour of those who took part in the 1916 Rising.

What made this so impressive was the magnificent way the cadets carried out their ceremonial role.

I had been looking forward to seeing this again while watching the programme last evening, but when it came to the showing of this part of President Kennedy's visit, what we were shown was a dubbed-in clip of a recent ceremony which took place in the Garden of Remembrance.

This was all the more surprising, as well as disappointing, when towards the end of the programme Ryan Tubridy told us that President Kennedy looked back on this as the most memorable event of his visit.

But I feel indebted to Tubridy for telling us that when President Kennedy was addressing the Oireachtas, he quoted a negative remark made by Lord Edward Fitzgerald about the lack of inspiration in Leinster House. This was subsequently suppressed.

How appropriate it is in these times.

Pat Fitzgerald

Pallaskenry

Co Limerick