Category: Opinion

Brexit and peace in the North

Dear Editor, I was glad to see Martin Mansergh (‘Somme anniversary is sober reminder of essential role of European integration’, IC 07/07/2016) rightly drawing connections between the Battle of the Somme and the dangers posed by England and Wales voting for the UK to leave the EU. Some will doubtless see this as hysterical scaremongering,…

Cavalier approach to the Constitution

Dear Editor, What are we to make of the cavalier approach of our parliamentarians to Bunreacht na hÉireann in the matter of the Eighth Amendment? The Attorney General has expressed her opinion that the legislation proposed is contrary to the Constitution and thus illegal. Would not the civilised thing to do be to tease the…

Embracing Jean Vanier’s vision for all

Dear Editor, Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche communities and a tireless advocate of the dignity of all people, especially the disabled, says in his book Our Life Together: “Each person, whatever his or her abilities, strengths or weaknesses, is important and sacred. They are a person loved by God and created for love. It…

Brexit analysis must remember migration

Dear Editor, John Bruton (‘Brexit and the future of the European project’, IC 30/06/2016) hardly heeds David Cameron’s post-referendum remarks in Brussels. The latter mentions how mass migration swayed so many, yet your contributor’s article ignores the issue. Yours etc., Seán Bearnabhail, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

Dear Editor, Paul Keenan’s article about Rodrigo Duterte, the new president of the Philippines (‘A Firebrand for the Philippines’ IC 07/07/2016) made for alarming reading, and not merely because such a terrible development poses a threat to the Church there. While we will surely be hoping that Cardinal Tagle and his fellows in the Philippine…

Our deepest insecurity

Why don’t we live happier lives? Why are we forever caught up in frustrations, tensions, angers and resentments? The reasons of course are too many to name. Each day, as Jesus himself tells us, brings problems enough for the day. We’re unhappy for reasons too many to count. And yet it can be helpful to…