Sir, – In reference to the report, “Irish Times/Ipsos poll indicates most people do not believe “Up the ‘Ra” chants glorify IRA”, News, October 29th.
Presumably next week we will have a poll showing that The Sash My Father Wore is not in praise of the Orange Order but an inspiring song about outdoor clothing options?
– Yours, etc,
JOHN COTTER,
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Ferrybank, Co Waterford.
Sir, – So people singing “Up the ‘Ra” don’t mean to glorify the IRA. Why do they sing it then? It can hardly be for its musical merit.
- Yours, etc,
LOUIS HOGAN,
Harbour View, Wicklow Town.
Sir, – In the recent Irish Times/Ipsos Opinion Poll, 59 per cent say “I don’t think people mean to glorify the IRA by singing these songs” which contain pro-IRA chants.
I think Anthony Giddens’ notion of “unintended consequence” could act as a guide to warrant erring on the side of caution and at the very least, to make an explicit and well-intentioned effort not to be intentionally or unintentionally offensive to victims of terrible violence.
Words do matter and can lead, even unintentionally, to the breaking of bones.
– Yours, etc,
Dr JAMES FINNEGAN,
Letterkenny, Co Donegal.