Sir, – Mary Costelloe (April 26th) is surely incorrect when she states that it is not the business of Irish Times journalists to proselytise for or against any religion.
Who better to keep us on the straight and narrow path when it comes to religious practice, as they do on so many other matters? Who, after all, would have discouraged our interest in the brutality of mixed martial arts if it hadn’t been for the efforts of these journalists to publicise the “sport” so that we might see its awfulness? Or in previous times, who could have dealt such a blow to the excessive drinking of our youth if it hadn’t been for the journalistic exposure of Arthur’s Day?
I am particularly appreciative of their efforts to try to restore the full practice of the Catholic religion among those who describe themselves as Catholic. Not for them a casual attendance at baptism or communion services. For the Irish Times journalist, nothing will do except an enthusiastic engagement every Sunday. With supporters like these, I'm sure it will not be long before we return to the glorious certainties of the past. – Yours, etc,
PADDY O’FLYNN,
Dublin 6.