Sir, - I want to make a few points in relation to Fintan O'Toole's article (April 14th), regarding the £60 million given to finish Croke Park. Firstly, why did his list of useful alternative things that could be done with the money not appear after the FAI was given £87 million to build absolutely nothing?
Secondly, he states that Rule 21, which forbids the RUC and British Army from participating in Gaelic games, is blatantly sectarian. Rule 21 was introduced to demonstrate opposition to British rule in Ireland and it is maintained for that reason and because of the behaviour of those organisations over the past 30 years. Rule 21 doesn't ban anyone from taking part on the basis of religion. What Fintan O'Toole is saying is that any opposition to British rule is sectarian. All I can say is that the GAA's stance has been proven right by the changes called for by the Patten Report.
Thirdly, he also makes the point that the State should have a say in money distributed by the public purse. This policy, if pursued across the board, would be the end of pluralism in this State. It would legitimise political interference in every organisation in the State. I know that Fintan O'Toole wouldn't really support such a policy. It's just that when it comes to the GAA he, and a lot of his colleagues, set aside principle for a quick fix to an organisation that doesn't want to play ball with the Dublin 4 view of life. Yours etc.,
Niall Gormley, Palmers Road, Palmerstown Manor, Dublin 20.