‘Respectful politics’ pledge

Sir, – Last month, a memorial service was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Senator Billy Fox. Several political representatives were brutally murdered during the Troubles and remind us that democracy comes at high price.

Today, ongoing threats, attacks and intimidation of local councillors, parliamentarians and Government Ministers are conducted against a rise in negative, acrimonious, hostile and hateful rhetoric in public discourse.

This has created a climate which is a clear and present danger to democracy in Ireland.

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation and the John and Pat Hume Foundation has launched a “respectful politics” pledge.

Rise in school absenteeism: ‘Some stay up too late on their phones until 3 or 4am’

---

Sarah Moss: As a bike-riding vegetarian feminist I can see why people might disagree with everything I think

---

How to make the most of the Leaving Cert run-in: Study tips, social media and taking breaks

---

Nicky English: Cork are finding a flow that makes them All-Ireland contenders - if they get that far

---

The pledge underlines the need to respect difference and respectful debate as a positive and healthy feature of public discourse in free societies.

In their online and in-person engagements, the pledge encourages the wider public, political parties, election candidates and party members to commit to respectful politics and to positively shape ethical political discourse by being: honest and fact-based when expressing their views, beliefs and concerns; fully respectful of the identities, dignity, equality and human rights of all people; kind and tolerant in debate; showing respect for the right of others to hold different views; and respectfully challenging the merits of others’ cases and to disagree without disparagement.

As John Hume said in his Nobel peace address, “Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it.”

There is an urgent need to promote civility in politics, where differences are respected and where ethical and civil dialogue is embraced. – Yours, etc,

JAMES BRIDGEMAN SC,

Chairperson,

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation,

Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation,

Glencree,

Co Wicklow;

DAWN PURVIS,

Chairperson,

The John and Pat Hume Foundation,

Belfast.