Sir, - I read with growing annoyance F. McCoy's letter (December 20th) blaming society's ills on the decline in the Catholic religion. He/she, like most people in this country, seems to think "Catholic" means "Christian" and vice versa. The values that F. McCoy talks of - regard for other human beings, respect for our neighbours - are not purely "Catholic" values; they are the basis of Christianity.
Since the decline of the Catholic religion, and the lessening of the power and influence of the Catholic Church over the lives of Irish citizens, Ireland is indeed a better society. People can make their own choices without being dictated to by the teachings of one particular religion. A Catholic can marry a Protestant without being excommunicated. Irish citizens, Catholic or not, can take responsibility for their own family planning. Citizens who are not members of the Catholic Church don't have Catholic values forced on them any more.
I agree with the basic sentiments of F. McCoy's letter: Ireland would be a better place if we all would "love our neighbour". Let's leave the Catholic religion - or any religion, for that matter - out of this and try to practise Christian values. - Yours, etc.,
Emma Tierney, Oldbridge Way, Lucan, Co Dublin.