A chara, - When will Mr Doyle and the mass of the people of the 26 Counties (June 4th) come to realise that the Orange marching issue is not a conflict of mutually exclusive rights. The right to live peacefully in ones own neighbourhood can not be compared to the so called right of one's neighbours to march offensively through that same neighbourhood, without at least consulting one. The only reason these bands etc., force this issue is to show domination. Most nationalists I have spoken to would grudgingly give permission, if only they were asked.
If the people of the Republic feel so welcoming, why not invite the Orange marchers to march here? It would build bridges (sic) and take the pressure off our beleaguered Catholic neighbours during the "marching season".
The Orangemen refuse point blank to negotiate. Conquerors are not traditionally in the habit of having to deal with the conquered. That time has now come for the Orange Order though, sadly, they are slow to recognise it and afraid to embrace it.
For people down here to advise the besieged Catholics to throw flowers at the marchers is about as useful as telling the black people of Mississippi to ignore the cross burning rites of the KKK. Only the Law can resolve this problem and law enforcement is in short supply in the Six Counties. In any civilised society it is illegal to racially taunt one's neighbours. It should be here also that law should be enforced. Society can not force people to like each other, but it can force them to stop killing each other for sectarian reasons, no matter what their tradition.
When Rev. Ian Paisley refers to the Pope as the whore of Rome he is being true to his own beliefs. He and his followers assume that this right of free speech allows them the "right" to march through Catholic areas hollering the same abuse. This so-called "right" would not be permitted in any other country in Europe. Just as freedom of speech can not be used to shout "fire" in a crowded theatre, so also it must not be used to racially taunt people. Where in the world would ordinary decent Catholics be attacked and taunted for going to weekly service, except in the Six Counties? It is a disgrace that this is allowed happen and an insult to suggest they smile and throw flowers at their tormentors. Southern Protestants must feel very uncomfortable at the antics in Harryville.
Anyone who feels they know how to solve these problems, but doesn't want to take sides, should offer their services to an organisation such as The Committee for the Administration of Justice, which monitors the behaviour of all sides in these confrontations and presents reports to all concerned. It is non-sectarian and non-political. There is no doubt the place needs a lot of work to move it into the present but wringing our hands and muttering "plague on both your houses" is no help at all. - Mise le meas. Donal de Roiste,
Baile an Chollaigh, Co Chorcai.