Madam, - I feel I must take my friend Robin Bury to task for his portrayal of the Republic as intolerant of Protestants, and of Protestants as needing to keep their heads down (Rite and Reason, July 11th).
Perception is in the eye of the beholder's prejudice, and I cannot share his perception. Of course past prejudices and hurts in Ireland did happen, but I suggest they are not the case today.
The reality for me has been of a country - my country - in which I fit quite comfortably. If he is looking for issues of religious freedom, I recommend examining the symbolism, the affirmation, of our Head of State sharing in the Eucharist in Christ Church Cathedral eight years ago.
Celebrate also the same Church of Ireland which self-confidently ordained 17 deacons last month - not the actions of a bowed-down minority.
I ask Robin Bury to be wary of allowing his words to be misrepresented by extremists during this marching season. Please, look forward with confidence as Irish people - no rose-tinted spectacles are needed. - Yours, etc,
JOHN MARCHANT, Dublin 16.