THE comments made by Nick Ross claiming that Catholic schools played a role and contributed to the conflict during the Troubles are deeply offensive to each and every teacher, principal and pupil who has gone through a Catholic school.
As a former principal I have personally witnessed the ethos of respect, inclusivity and tolerance that is at the centre of Catholic education in Northern Ireland.
During the Troubles, education and guidance given in Catholic schools provided a stabilising and sheltering environment to students growing up in a deeply traumatic era.
Such a sweeping and unfounded statement, with nothing to support it, seems to me like yet another cheap attempt by him to grab headlines.
He has apologised but the hurt and offence caused to the Catholic teaching profession and those who have gone through the Catholic education system will take a long time to heal.
SEAN ROGERS MLA SDLP, South Down
