Madam, - The resignation of Niall Crowley as chief executive of the Equality Authority is a significant setback in the fight for equality and social inclusion in Ireland. The Immigrant Council of Ireland empathises with Niall Crowley and supports his principled stance in such difficult circumstances. The decision was in keeping with the integrity he displayed by over his 10 years at the helm of the Equality Authority. He has made an outstanding contribution to the fight against poverty and inequality in Ireland and he will be sorely missed.
As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is a sad day when the CEO of one of the bodies expressly charged with promoting rights and equality saw no option but to resign. The recent decisions concerning not just the authority but the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism, the Combat Poverty Agency and the Irish Human Rights Commission raise serious questions about the Government's commitment to promoting rights and equality. Given the current economic context, the need for such a key organisation which challenges inequality and tackles issues such as racism and xenophobia is even more acute. - Yours, etc,
Madam, - As a trade union strongly committed to the promotion of equality the National Union of Journalists is dismayed by the resignation of Niall Crowley as chief executive of the Equality Authority and the circumstances surrounding his departure.
The 43 per cent cut in its budget will indeed undermine the work of the authority and will result in a diminution in the wide range of services provided to employers, trade unions and other institutions as well as the vital work on behalf of individuals and vulnerable groups in society.
The Proclamation of the Irish Republic guarantees "religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities" to all citizens. It is ironic that yesterday's newspaper contained an interesting plea for the preservation of Moore Street by James Connolly Heron, alongside letters from a number of correspondents concerning the crisis at the Equality Authority.
By all means let us preserve physical reminders of the 1916 Rising but perhaps financial investment in Connolly's equality agenda might also be a constructive way of celebrating history. - Yours, etc,
Madam, - I took on the banks and won. Not many can say that these days. And the reason I won was because I had the help and support of the Equality Authority. With its help and advice I had the confidence to fight back when Ulster Bank told me I was too old to take out a car loan.
I took my case on the basis of age discrimination on behalf of all older people who are bullied every day in the subtlest of ways. Subtle bullying is still bullying, even if it does come from a man in a nice suit.
Today, I feel that the Government is bullying the Equality Authority. The cut in its budget is an absolute disgrace. I am saddened, but applaud Niall Crowley for his courageous resignation. He is a man of principle. It's a pity he is such a rarity. - Yours, etc,
Madam, - The reporter Howard Cosell once famously suggested to Muhammad Ali before a big fight that he was not the man he had been 10 years previously. Ali quipped back that he had been talking to Cosell's wife and she had told him that Howard was not the man he had been only two years previously. Ali went on to win the fight. Of course both men were guilty of blatant ageism, but they did not have the benefit of Niall Crowley and his agency to put them right.
Your paper's coverage of cuts in the equality industry has lacked balance and courage. A litany of the new high priests of the equality scam was quoted predictably praising Mr Crowley. No effort was made to analyse the terrible harm the ideologues in the industry have done. Travellers have been ill served, as a culture of victimhood, compensation and separation has been force-fed to them. It is an utter disgrace that this group of Irish people have been brainwashed into thinking that they have different rights and different responsibilities than all other Irish citizens. This philosophy has damaged them, and has prevented the Travellers from adopting a culture of education, excellence and personal responsibility which would begin to lift them socially and economically, which is what all right-thinking citizens would welcome.
The equality industry has been badgering small businesses for years with spurious claims stoked by a victimhood/compensation culture. In recent times the flood of mini-tribunals in the public service, particularly in the health service, has begun to make life impossible. Apart from the odd ignoramus, most Irish people are decent and fair-minded, and people are judged by their ability and character, not race or gender.
In times past human rights activists were private individuals trying to curtail the abuses of power by tyrannical governments. In an Orwellian twist, "human rights" is now the possession of government quangos which are invading our businesses, sports clubs and schools, and now plan to invade the home.
I wish Mr. Crowley well and hope he gets a real job, creating wealth or providing a service. - Yours, etc,