When a schism is more a chasm

Dear Editor,

It was with some bemusement that I read in E&L, March 5th, of the bestowal of the title "best third-level cumann" on the Erskine Childers cumann of Fianna Fail at the National Youth Conference in Bundoran, Co Donegal. As a member of that cumann, I can sympathise with the Kevin Barry cumann's frustrations that they were not the recipients of the award.

Far be it for me to split hairs, but I do think that the reference to "schisms" within the cumann was a trifle misleading.

It would be more appropriate to say that a chasm opened between the rival factions, and ever since last October, the TCD cumann has become a microcosm of the conservative party, driven by splits fuelled by hatred between pro- and anti-Europeans.

The europhobic junta currently in control has failed to issue any original contribution to party policy - steady as she goes is the order of the day. Before I entered college I always thought such an inoffensive agenda was the sole preserve of publicity-seeking governments. Seemingly young politicos have to practise early these days. In sum, this sad situation should not persist for much longer.

The Europhiles have regrouped, and the AGM is but some weeks distant. Revenge is nigh! Yours,

Drogheda, Co Louth.