Sir, – I see that Seamus McKenna promises to let people of faith go peacefully about their business as soon as the Catholic Church complies with his demands (September 20th). Among the latter, he includes the “handing back” of the running of national schools. As far as I am aware, there were no national schools in existence before the church went to the trouble and expense of having its members found them. The system has run quite well for the past 150 years. At present, there are numerous national schools in operation that have no connection at all with the Catholic Church and more and more are being set up every year. It is open to any concerned group of citizens to apply for permission to start a school at any time or in any place they choose. But, based on his later remarks, it would seem that what Mr McKenna really wants is for all such schools to be run on a totally atheistic basis, regardless of the wishes of any particular group of parents.
Mr McKenna also demands that the church guarantees it will not attempt to influence the laws and Constitution of this country. Membership of the church is made up of ordinary citizens of the State. Are they not to be allowed any say in how it is run? In their absence, who does Mr McKenna believe should have a say?
Finally, Mr McKenna demands that the church should cease, by its actions, to impinge upon his life. Perhaps he could give some instances of this interference so that we can further consider what he has in mind. For my own part, I find it difficult to recall a single instance where the beliefs or wishes of the Catholic Church have had the slightest influence on any decision or policy of the elected government of this country over the past 20 years.
On reflection, perhaps if it had had, we might not be in the sorry position in which we now find ourselves. It could hardly have been worse. – Yours, etc,