Madam, - Kennedy P. O'Brien (May 27th) is rightly appreciative of Fintan O'Toole's column of May 25th. Mr O'Toole supports his point plainly and to good effect.
However, his argument, while compellingly presented, is irrelevant to the current debate. Mr O'Toole would have us believe that the cultural diversity of this country is threatened by the proposed amendment. This is in no way the case. Also, his idea that the long tradition of Irish migration to other countries puts the State under any kind of obligation today is ridiculous. Historical demographics should play no part in the decisions we make in the 21st century with regard to the best interests of our country.
Two other letters about this issue were published the same day, each representing opposing views. Interestingly, both claimed to have "common sense" on their side. Ivana Bacik believes citizenship should not be determined by "happenstance of parentage"; while J.S. Glendinning correctly argues that parentage is more important than happenstance of birthplace.
It is ludicrous to suggest that one has more connection to wherever one happens to be born than to one's own parents. I was born in London, but have lived most of my life in Ireland, have Irish parents and an Irish passport. By what right could I call myself English?
This referendum proposes the closure of a loophole in the Constitution which, as the cornerstone of the State, must be amenable to alteration if and when it is needed. The conditions proposed for citizenship are not onerous, and Ms Bacik (and others) would do well to argue this issue on its merits, rather than cynically opposing the amendment simply because the Government supports it. - Yours, etc.,
CONOR J. McKINNEY, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin.
Madam, - I agree with Maggie Blackley (June 1st). It is beyond comprehension how anyone who purports to hold Christian values could vote in favour of the referendum proposal.
In his first interview with The Irish Times, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin not only offered no personal opinion on the matter, he clearly stated that the Catholic Church's only role was to "illustrate the issues". Yet in other referendums, such as those on divorce, celibate priests with no practical experience of married life instructed their congregations how to vote. The mind boggles. - Yours, etc.,
RICHARD MORTON, Booterstown, Co Dublin.
Madam, - In the event of a majority No vote in the referendum on citizenship, when will the second referendum on the matter be held? - Yours, etc.,
Dr COLIN LAWTON, Athenry, Co Galway.