Madam, – So, congratulations are due to the male members of Portmarnock Golf Club, who can continue to limit its facilities from the onslaught of the lady players of Ireland.
And, can we assume that their victory in this may cost tens of thousands or maybe more in legal costs? In the normal run of things, are we to understand that the State or State agency in the form of the Equality Authority will now pay the costs of each part of the action? Let us hope we have full disclosure of the legal and other expenses of all of this through the courts. Then the good members of Portmarnock might come to realise they too have joined the members of Government, Fás and other semi-states that have contributed to the loss of the wealth of this nation – where it was scarcely a priority.
To show their goodwill towards the underprivileged in recessionary times and with Christmas on the horizon, the members of Portmarnock might consider a fund-raiser or two (in the form perhaps of an open competition) towards the costs throughout, so that such a trivial matter cannot affect, even in a small way, those who are genuinely in need. Of course, a mixed open might raise more, but that might be a bridge too far for our male golfing friends.
Finally, some of us play in fully equal opportunity golf clubs and, really, the ladies are, like, normal. So, to the members of Portmarnock the message is: do not be afraid. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Judging from the objections of some people following the recent Supreme Court’s rejection of the appeal against Portmarnock Golf Club, it would seem that women should be accorded different rights to men. Everybody knows there are very many associations, organisations and clubs in this country whose memberships are restricted to women only. Therefore, I do not see why men should not be accorded the exact same right as women? To seek to apply double standards in this regard would be selectively discriminatory and sexist. I thought this was the original point of the appeal, namely, equality of rights for all. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – If the Equality Authority were going to spend money on a Supreme Court case, could they not have been more equitable? When the Equality Authority brings some equality of gender to Irish family law, I will picket any golf club they wish. Until then, priorities please. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – It has become increasingly frustrating to see members of the public on both sides of the argument concerning Portmarnock Golf Club fail to understand the fundamental issues at stake. Yes, male golfers are free to associate as they please but the State should not be supporting them, in this case with a drinks license, if they do so in a discriminatory manner. Just because you have the right to do something doesn’t mean how you exercise that right can’t be branded as detestable (see freedom of speech and Nick Griffin).
It’s a simple case, the Supreme Court got it wrong. – Yours, etc,