On Saturday July 1 a wave of rainbow colours bedecked the otherwise dreary and wet Belfast City Centre. An atmosphere of determined positivity fuelled by an abundant sense of injustice loomed over the great city of Belfast. I had the privilege of marching with an estimated 20,000 other people to city hall in support of the legalisation of the right to get married for same-sex couples in Northern Ireland.
This march, organised by Love Equality and its partners, was a clear message that Northern Ireland is hungry for change on this issue.
If my maths is correct, more than 1.1 per cent of Northern Ireland’s population marched that day in support of marriage equality – an astounding figure.
Among those were a diverse array of people from different backgrounds, faiths and political persuasions. A rainbow coalition of equality united in our goal to force progress on this issue. Everyone from trade unions, charities, faith groups and political party representatives were in attendance.
Never in my life have I encountered such a positive and happy atmosphere, mixed with a strong sense of motivation and determination. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was just an incredible atmosphere to be a part of.
We listened to a number of different speakers as the rain drizzled down on us. One of the speakers was the father of a gay man who wanted his son to be given the same right to marry as he has.
Northern Ireland is now the only place in the United Kingdom without same-sex marriage. It was overwhelmingly supported in a referendum in the Republic in 2015 and passed through the British parliament in 2013. Much of Europe is ahead of us on this issue also, Finland and Germany being the most recent countries to see same-sex marriage achieved. Northern Ireland on the map of western Europe now looks like a little postage stamp of inequality. This needs to change and this march was clear evidence that it will change.
The times are changing and seismic social tremors were felt through Belfast City Centre. We are closer than ever to achieving our goal of allowing same-sex couples the same rights to marry as everyone else in Northern Ireland.
We must remember, however, that we have not achieved victory yet and we must continue our support for the cause through voting against those who block progress.
If we stay determined we will achieve equality in Northern Ireland at long last.
JAMIE KENNEDY
Killyleagh, Co Down
Easy to be a SF supporter when there’s no personal cost involved
It was more than a little conceited of Tomás O’Dubhagain, ‘Shinner fixation’ (June 21), when he stated, “I thought we had heard the last of Seán O’Fiach when he failed to respond to my previous letter”.
Tomás equates me with two Co Cork partitionists who contribute to the letters page simply because I am critical of Sinn Féin. He asks if John O’Dowd should simply have refrained from commenting on the DUP/UDA cosiness. He seems to have missed my point that Sinn Féin displayed double standards in criticising the DUP for something that Sinn Féin was equally guilty of and asks if I am privy to Jackie McDonald’s discussions with Sinn Féin.
Some of these are in the public domain like, for example, Jackie McDonald and Gerry Adams jointly visiting the family of a former UDA prisoner who had died to offer their condolences. Or a visit to The Roddy McCorley’s club by Jackie McDonald and other UDA figures in 2015 where Jackie McDonald acknowledged that they were openly working with Sinn Féin on the ground. These are just examples of a much more comprehensive and cosy relationship Sinn Féin has had with the UDA.
Tomás states that I rightly highlight “the violence and drug dealing of the UDA but is strangely silent in dissident involvement in exactly the same crimes”. I did not highlight those things but merely quoted observations that John O’Dowd made. I assume he is referring to republicans when he uses the pejorative term dissident.
I am not aware of any republicans who are drug dealing and any violence they have used pales into insignificance against that previously carried out by the IRA.
He, however, seems to be unequivocal that such activity is going on so maybe if he is so sure he should follow his own party’s advice and provide that information to the RUC/PSNI.
Unlike others I have never hidden my republicanism under a bushel but many former republican prisoners and I are often bemused by the fact that some of the most ardent and stalwart defenders of Sinn Féin nowadays are those who carved out a career working and maintaining the machinery of government here that Sinn Féin was so vehemently opposed to during the conflict. But it is easy to be a Sinn Féin supporter now when there is no personal cost involved.
SEAN O FIACH
Belfast BT11
Stay safe in summer sun
We have all been enjoying the wonderful weather over the last few days in Northern Ireland and hope that it will continue, providing the perfect excuse to break out the BBQ, head to the seaside, or simply soak up the rays with a good book. However, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that the higher temperatures can pose some sizeable health risks.
There are more than 100,000 people in Northern Ireland who have been diagnosed with diabetes and it’s important that they’re aware of how hot weather can affect their condition.
Long periods of inactivity in the sun may affect diabetes control, causing blood glucose levels to be higher than usual. As well as potentially higher blood glucose levels, insulin injections are absorbed more quickly in hot weather, increasing the chances of hypoglycemia (or a hypo).
So it will be important for people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels more often and be ready to adjust their insulin dose if necessary. And remember, insulin and monitors can be affected by heat so make sure you keep your diabetes kit cool in the sun. Diabetes shouldn’t be a barrier to making the most out of the glorious weather, so let’s get out there and enjoy it while it lasts.
Here’s to a fabulous summer.
JILLIAN PATCHETT
National Director, Diabetes UK Northern Ireland
In a state of denial
What is it with letter writers from Cork?
Robert Sullivan’s ‘SF stymied again’ (June 16) offering is particularly offensive.
For this person’s information no republican expects a United Ireland any day. Republicans signed up to and have adhered to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.
Further by asserting that ‘Arlene and Theresa are the winners’, is that not letting readers know about him? This is an austerity led party aligning itself to a fundamentalist party and he welcomes that.
My sense is that he would accept any arrangement as long as it excluded republicans.
So, I would simply say to Mr Sullivan (and to fellow Cork writers) stay in denial as long as you want, be pro-partition. The republican project continues.
MANUS McDAID
Derry City
Expression of thanks
Macmillan Cancer Support volunteers raised £561.75 in Belfast on Friday June 2. We would like to thank everyone who donated generously.
All money raised goes towards improving the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support.
ROISAN KERR
Macmillan Cancer Support
Belfast BT5
