Sir, - Kathy Sheridan's article in the Festival Programme (March 12th), which included the refreshing quotes from Michael Colgan, gives much food for serious thought in today's Ireland. There is a justified view widely held and expounded, typically in this article, that we have found a new self confidence and sense of identity, over the past decade.
Surely it is only logical that nothing can enhance these virtues, if we accept them as such, more than the development of our own language. It is the key to our own culture, of which we seem to be proud - particularly when so many could, with a little application and confidence, speak the language if they really wished to.
Are we ashamed of it, or do we still regard it with that sense of inferiority in relation to things English referred to by Michael Colgan? If so, why does Dublin City University, probably the university best geared to the demands of today's marketplace, have an All Irish B.Sc. Degree course in finance computing and enterprise? This, it is fair to say, is widely accepted as one of the best degrees available for success in today's business and financial world. Self confidence is one of the underlying principles of this degree course.
May I add, again in relation to the article, that we can see now that the Catholic Church of 50 to 60 years ago had many faults, but - it is not reasonable to judge that - period by the criteria of today. The Church, like many other bodies, is going through a painful process of change and renewal and will, in time, be the better and the stronger for it; but the constant criticism and denigration of religion, of all persuasions, does nothing to improve society or the quality of life.
Materialism, greed, selfishness, convenience and non acceptance of responsibility or authority are the replacing tenets of today. Can any fair minded person claim that society is any better or richer or happier for the erosion of religious values - and I do not mean only Roman Catholic values? It has been convenient to concentrate the attack on the Roman Catholic Church because it is the Church of the majority, but its purpose is much more encompassing than that the "freedom" to do as we please, without any corresponding responsibility. - Yours, etc.,
Healthfield Road, Terenure,
Dublin 6.