Sir, - Mr O'Hanlon is "fearful" of where Irish society is being led (July 3rd) . Perhaps he might reflect on where Irish society has come from.
The 1940s and 1950s, when I was growing up, were, on the surface, times when morality appeared to be under the control of forces which reached into the very souls of many. However this highly controlled society had dark secrets, e.g. "fallen" women, backstreet abortions and a disgraceful betrayal of trust by individuals and institutions who were able to operate freely in a climate of fear.
I prefer a society where the light reaches all the darkest corners of social behaviour so that I may know, understand and help those who may be vulnerable e.g. traumatised women, victims of child abuse and those who suffer because their sexual orientation does not fit a particular norm.
It is very easy to be selective about what constitutes "immorality" and thus avoid awkward questions about issues which have only recently come into the public domain. - Yours, etc., Tom Morrissey,
Bray, Co Wicklow.