Madam, - On November 12th Drapier recycled and endorsed the statement of the Minister for Justice that he had as much respect for the canon law of the Catholic Church as for the constitution of a golf club.
The meaning is clear: the Minister has little respect for either. This attitude is at variance with the idea that in our political system the basic role of Ministers is to serve citizens in their pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. For many, this pursuit includes the practice of the Catholic religion and engagement in physical exercise, among other things.
The church may be viewed from different perspectives, but in its essence, and daily existence, it consists of men and women in search of God as the source of meaning and ultimate purpose in their lives. The first appropriate response by politicians to this activity, as to sporting activities, is one of respect. The contempt expressed for the internal regulations of the Catholic Church (and of golf clubs) is, literally, politically incorrect.
Drapier and the Minister may need to ponder the ramifications of the constitutional principle of popular sovereignty, and to re-think their assumptions about relations between the State and its citizens. - Yours, etc,
M.F. O'FLANAGAN, Dublin 11.