Sir, – I wish to register my deep disappointment in Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn’s decision to award patronage of the new Greystones secondary school to a religious body, the Church of Ireland (Home News, July 26th).
This is despite a clear majority of parents in the area, between VEC and Educate Together applications, registering in support of a secular-led education. Thousands of Wicklow parents have been set adrift by this thoroughly undemocratic decision. We are now faced with the terrible choice between two local schools run by institutions which are, to choose one objectionable thing among many, institutionally homophobic.
One hopes that the disappointed parents in the area who wish to see their children educated in a spirit of true mutual respect, support and understanding will now unite to continue and strengthen our campaign for educational choice. – Yours, etc,