Sir, – Taoiseach Kenny Enda and the leader of the Opposition Micheál Martin are in agreement that the Dáil did not accept excuses of leading churchmen over the handling of cases of abuse. We have moved on and as Christians have hopefully forgiven those who were guilty. Certainly we have allowed some important hierarchal figures who were involved to enter peaceful retirement without question. Sinn Féin is the fastest-growing political party in the State, much to the annoyance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, but surely it is time to stop this chorus of vilification of Gerry Adams by politicians – and the media, and extend to him the same courtesy and grace as was afforded to the churchmen, guilty or not guilty.
Surely it is the homeless, the old, the young marrieds who are struggling to rear families, and many other groups, whose problems should be addressed by TDs? The political point-scoring that has become the “hallmark” of Dáil debates is a waste of time and serves only to distract attention from the important functions of Government. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT A SHARPE,
Cootehill, Co Cavan.
Sir, – Some years ago I published a research report, They Shoot Children, Don't They? It documented so-called punishment attacks on young people and children by loyalist and republican paramilitaries.
Of those victims I interviewed then and subsequently, virtually without exception, none was prepared to make claims in public. One of these was hospitalised as far back as 1985 after a beating in a parent’s backyard. This was carried out by members of the IRA. He still will not speak openly almost three decades later, although he can name some of those involved. One is now a leading member of Sinn Féin in Belfast.
The reasons are simple. Whatever assurances Sinn Féin might give through its media presentations, the reality at street level can be very different. In loyalist and republican areas individuals are vulnerable in all kinds of way, not only personally but through a variety of avenues, including threats against family, kinfolk and friends. As one cautioned: “You never know”.
This makes Maíria Cahill’s challenge to power, albeit power of the invisible and unaccountable kind, both exceptional and all the more admirable. – Yours, etc,
LIAM KENNEDY,
Professor Emeritus,
Institute of
Irish Studies,
Queen’s University,
Belfast.