Sir, – On reading Vincent Twomey, I struggled to find one good reason why, at this remove from the outcome, readers of The Irish Times should have to endure such nonsense ("Sentiment subdued reason in marriage referendum", Opinion & Analysis, June 15th).
Many Catholics voted Yes in good conscience. Dr Twomey seems unable to accept that fact that not everyone took his counsel. His response is to lash out in all directions, with contentious arguments, attacking groups and individuals with abandon.
Mr Justice Kevin Cross is accused of “irresponsible musings” but no evidence is produced to support the claim that a meticulously fair public servant was anything but responsible. Mary McAleese is accused of a “failure to remain neutral” as if she had broken some established precedent. She did no such thing. Over the years, in retirement, Sean T Ó Ceallaigh, Dr Patrick Hillery and Mary Robinson took positions on matters of public policy, either national and international.
There was no onus on someone with a track record predating her public career as a campaigner for gay equality to remain silent and Mrs McAleese did nothing more than follow her well-informed conscience.
Dr Twomey writes: “The late-starting, underfunded No campaign that transcended denominational barriers fought respectfully, bravely, and nobly in the best Irish tradition”. The Catholic Church campaigned with vigour for a No vote, consistent with the official stance of the bishops’ conference. That gave the No campaign a network of church bulletins and pulpits throughout the 26 counties.
Underfunded? As the Catholic church is not registered with the Standards in Public Office Commission, we shall never know how much was spent on the No campaign by the church.
There’s nothing respectful or noble in seeking to smear the Irish Human Rights Commission, just as there was a distinct lack of nobility in the No side’s targeting of Barnardos, the Children’s Rights Alliance, the ISPCC and indeed single parents.
I understand Dr Twomey’s disappointment but he really needs to stop sucking on those sour grapes. – Yours, etc,
SÉAMUS DOOLEY,
The Tenters,
Dublin 8.