Sir, - We are indeed living in changing times. Your front-page headline of April 27th, "Minister rebuffs bishops over refugees", surely marks a turning point in Irish socio-political history. The fact that the bishops were making their plea in the name of Christianity makes the issue even more remarkable.
That a Minister for Justice, and one from Kerry - once the bastion of Catholic Ireland - can confidently "rebuff" not just one but four bishops suggests that he is either foolhardy or very confident of public opinion. Given the hostile reaction of significant sections of rural Ireland on proposals to offer accommodation to asylum-seekers, I suspect that constituency rather than congregational statements will be heard.
It is particularly ironic that it is basic issue of Christian charity and Irish hospitality which has highlighted the separation of Church and State in the Republic of Ireland. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Vincent Kenny, Glenvara Park, Knocklyon, Dublin 16.