Madam, - In the concluding article of the Irish Times debate on the Convention on the Future of Europe (Opinion, May 1st), Proinsias De Rossa, MEP identifying himself as a democrat, calls on the basic principle of secular democracy (rather than Christian democracy), in support of his case for excluding any reference to God in the proposed EU constitution.
Under this secular principle, public representatives are bound to legislate in accordance with the wishes of the majority. In a union of Christian states, and with a view to applicant states that are overwhelmingly monotheistic, surely Mr De Rossa's position is untenable.
The implication that reference to God is somehow "repugnant to equality or freedom of conscience", while gravely disrespectful and divisive, is surely untenable also, given that he further bases his position on one of "mutual respect and tolerance".
Objectively, including reference to God is the proper course. Unless, that is, personal prejudice, or pseudo-equality, or the politically correct bias of an influential élite is to be the guiding principle. - Yours, etc.,
JOHN SKELLY,
Diswellstown,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.