Sir, - Is Steven King's article on the civic forum for Northern Ireland (The Irish Times, October 12th) mischievous or just misguided? His examples of the uncivil behaviour of civil society would suggest the former. He has detected "intransigence and bigotry" in the Catholic Church, the GAA and the Orange Order. Ergo, civil society is not fit to be involved in governance. Such thinking ill becomes an otherwise thoughtful political commentator. In any case, in the many discussions that New Agenda has held on the civic forum there has been no suggestion of direct representation for the GAA or the Orange Order. Nor has it been suggested that places will be occupied by bishops of any persuasion.
On the other hand, Mr King's assertion that some circles wish to "boost the political influence of civil society at the expense of elected representatives" seem misguided. Why "at the expense of"? Why not "on" or "in support of"? The assumption that civil society is somehow competing against politicians for influence suggests there is some higher power to influence. In fact power will shortly lie with the Assembly and its Executive. Is it not a healthy democratic thing that civil society and politicians should engage each other in dialogue and work in partnership as we build a common future? - Yours, etc.,
John Woods,
New Agenda,
University Street,
Belfast 7.