Church-State relations book honours FitzGerald

A new book on the relationship between religion and politics in the State has been published in honour of the former Taoiseach…

A new book on the relationship between religion and politics in the State has been published in honour of the former Taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald.

The collection of essays, edited by Prof James P. Mackey and Dr Enda McDonagh, was launched in Dublin Castle last night. It was meant to mark Dr FitzGerald's 75th birthday but delays meant it was published two years after the event.

Dr FitzGerald said: "It took a while to do but it was every bit worth waiting for. The issues are examined by very qualified people. I'm most pleased it has been written but a little taken aback it has been done in my honour. Church-State relations have always interested me."

The editors said the former Taoiseach had made a notable contribution to the promotion of a liberal agenda and the healing of religio-political divisions. Speaking at the launch, Dr T.K. Whitaker, said the book was invaluable. "We see how church-State relations have evolved in such domains as education, public health, contraception, abortion, divorce, the status of women." He said no one had taken a more "informed and constructive interest" in the "interplay of politics and religion" than Dr FitzGerald.

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The book addresses issues such as family law and morality, education, health services, the search for a just society, the media and economic policy.

• Religion and Politics in Ireland at the turn of the millennium - published by the Columba Press, €14.99.