Sir, – Since the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore has now demonstrated his view that an sworn oath is merely a “formula of words” that can be liberally interpreted according to circumstance, is it any wonder that ethical standards among business and politicians have sunk so low.
The other extraordinary element thus far regarding this historic event is the almost deafening silence from the liberal media on the subject. In fact the only comments I have read in The Irish Times came from two letters from people who declare themselves as non-religious and reported comments from the Atheist Ireland Organisation where they rightly, in my view, state that atheists are discriminated against by a requirement to perjure themselves and swear an oath which they do not believe to be true (Home News, July 27th). While I agree with David McGinn (July 30th) that this requirement should be added to the forthcoming referendum for removal, I nevertheless remain astonished that there is no public outcry against the comments and action by the Tánaiste, that out of respect for the Constitution, he chose to perjure himself. – Yours, etc,
Dr VINCENT KENNY,
Glenvara Park,
Knocklyon, Dublin 16.
Sir, – I would like to second David McGinn's call for a referendum on the removal of the constitutional requirements for presidential, Council of State and judicial candidates to swear oaths "in the presence of Almighty God" from Bunreacht na hÉireann (July 30th).
I would also suggest any such referendum should include proposals for the deletion of the following references:
1. “In the name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to Whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and States must be referred” and “all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ.” (from the Preamble); and
2. “The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to almighty God. It shall hold his Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion.” (from Article 44).
These anachronisms not only create difficulties for atheists and agnostics, but also for citizens with non-Catholic religious beliefs as well. How can we say with any honesty that we live in a Republic when our most fundamental legal document contains such blatantly sectarian provisions?
Until the constitutional requirements to swear oaths "in the presence of Almighty God" are removed from Bunreacht na hÉireann, non-Catholic candidates for the presidency, Council of State and the judiciary will be minded to employ the doctrine of mental reservation. A Catholic solution to an Irish problem? – Yours, etc,
ROB SADLIER,
Stocking Avenue,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.
Sir, – Simon Dunne (July 31st) complains about Eamon Gilmore, an agnostic, swearing an oath to God as a member of the Council of State. He continues: “As an Irish atheist I find my country alienating on many fronts; from its Constitution to its schools, hospitals, courts, and broadcasters.”
But how far exactly are secularists going to take this antipathy? Should Irish language schools (funded by taxpayers) do away with “Dia dhuit” and “Dia’s Muire dhuit”? Should they also rename Friday something other than “Dé hAoine”, the day of the (Christian) fast? Should street signs (funded by taxpayers) refuse to mention St Patrick and St Brigit and all the rest? Even if the Angelus bells are removed from the airwaves, would that be enough, and should churches be prohibited from polluting the air with their campanological propaganda? Should the Proclamation of the Irish Republic be edited so that the embarrassing first words, “In the name of God”, are removed? Should the Ardagh Chalice and the Cross of Cong be given a less prominent place in the National Museum?
I actually agree that no public official should be required to take an oath to God, and indeed that no Irish citizen should be obliged to make any religious observance whatsoever. It will be amusing to see what our secularists find to complain about then – but you can be sure it will be something, God bless them. – Yours, etc,
MAOLSHEACHLANN
O CEALLAIGH,
Woodford Drive,
Clondalkin, Dublin 22.