Madam, - Bishop Joseph Duffy's comments regarding opposition among MEPs to the appointment of Mr Rocco Buttiglione as EU Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs raise some interesting questions about tolerance (The Irish Times, October 22nd). Dr Duffy has spoken of Mr Buttiglione being pushed out because of his convictions.
Am I right in thinking that appointments in denominational schools are exempt from certain anti-discrimination legislation? If I am, does Bishop Duffy advocate that at least within his church such exemptions not be used? How many teachers living in non-marital relationships (heterosexual or gay) have been appointed? How many have been promoted when principalships have become vacant? How many are welcome to bring their non-marital, cohabiting partner to school functions?
Would an individual who advocates the above rights, while not apparently living in such a relationship, be offered a job or a promotion in a school under Roman Catholic management?
Tolerance is indeed difficult. It forces us all to re-evaluate our beliefs and raises hard questions. Those of us old enough to remember with sadness the case of Eileen Flynn, who was sacked from her teaching post because her lifestyle was incompatible with the ethos of her Roman Catholic school, would love to be sure that tolerance had indeed taken root. Dr Duffy's advocacy of tolerance gives me cause for hope. I would love him to demonstrate that my hope is not ill-founded. - Yours, etc.,
SEAN KINSELLA, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.