Sir, - The political philosopher John Rawls notes that "a basic feature of democracy is the fact of reasonable pluralism - the fact that a plurality of conflicting comprehensive doctrines, religious, philosophical, and moral, is the normal result of its culture of free institutions." I think it is well within our capabilities as citizens of the Republic of Ireland to aspire to a healthy expression of this basic feature. It seems to me that Padraig O'Morain's column, which supports the notion of a post-denominational era, could therefore be regarded as anti-denominational, anti-democratic, and, dare I say it, somewhat anti-Catholic in tone. To me, the notion of reasonable pluralism is highly compatible with the ideal of genuine celebration of differences. - Yours, etc.,
James Finnegan, Woodlands, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.