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Jimmy Carter at the National Museum of Ireland

Keen interest

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sir, – On the margins of Michael Lillis’s significant letter (Letters, October 12th) on the importance of US president Jimmy Carter to Ireland and the evolution of the peace process in the North, may I recall my meeting with Mr Carter and his wife Rosalynn at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin, in 2010 or 2011.

On foot of a request from our then-minister, Mary Hanafin, I had the great privilege of introducing the Carters to the national archaeological collections. He was the most attentive and sincerely interested dignitary I showed around the museum in my 24 years as director. He was genuinely curious and respectful, especially about the sacred instruments of the early Christian Church.

A tall man in a long tweed coat, he exuded a graceful and warm appreciation of the tour. He was the most impressive guest I encountered among those I welcomed over the years. His attention to his wife was also impressive. – Is mise,

PAT WALLACE,

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(Former director of the National Museum of Ireland),

Ballsbridge,

Dublin 4.