Sir, - Dana featured last week on a TnaG programme about all four presidential candidates and proceeded to give us a run-down on the manner in which the US has deteriorated because of what she termed "secularisation".
She didn't explain why she chose to live and earn her living in such a godless society. Nor did she explain what form of democratic government or presidency would be suitable for Ireland if we deviated from the current system of government by the people for the people, etc., there being no existing laws based on the religious and spiritual dimension of the private side of the lives of the Irish people.
Dana has entered the race with the view of transforming Ireland into a kind of standard-bearer for Jesus, with the express wishes of the people being of secondary importance. She and her followers hope that we would see the Papal flag flying alongside the Tricolour atop the Aras. What Dana wishes for will, of course, never happen, as the people have by now thrown off the chains which bound them and make their own decisions, keeping their religious beliefs separate from their politics.
A gentleman by the name of T. G. O'Mahony also featured on the programme. He told us he was a leading light in the campaign to get Dana elected, with the intention of "closing the floodgates of liberalism which were opened by Mary Robinson". He sees Dana as the one to achieve this and to "lead Ireland back to God".
We have to ask where people like this are coming from, or even what century they believe we are living in. What can Mary Robinson be accused of which was so awful that we need to be saved form the influence of her term in office? Could it be that what she encouraged, such as optimism, pluralism, tolerance, inclusiveness and empowerment for the poor, are somehow going to be damaging to Ireland?
I would contend that what the fundamentalist groups disapproved of mostly was her great quality of telling people they are the masters of their own lives. This does not fit in with the understanding of those who believe the nation is an erring flock which needs to be guided along a particular religious route, with the authority of a hoped-for deity above all else. Why should it be so wrong to believe that a liberal, caring society is what God wishes for us? There is no evidence to suggest He is not a cool dude, with our struggle in this life a combination of our own free will coupled with His benign observation. Whatever, there is no turning the clock back now. Dana et al please note. - Yours, etc.,
From Robert O'Sullivan
Bantry, Co Cork.