Sinn Féin have launched their manifesto for the upcoming local elections.
Among the bullet points we have ‘protection of the environment’.
This is indeed laudable and deserves much support.
However, when we reflect on the word ‘environment’ most people will conclude that the environment includes the human species. The word ‘human’ itself comes from the Latin ‘humus’ meaning ‘soil’.
Man’s association with the soil is also reflected in the Christian burial service in the phrase ‘remember man that thou art dust and unto dust you shall return’. And, in the wonderfully touching, intimate and humane story of creation in Genesis Ch2 we see God taking a piece of clay and breathing His breath into our nostrils. So, all around us is the manifestation of man as an integral part – indeed the diamond, apex, the supreme moment, the custodian – of the environment.
My problem, then, with the Sinn Féin manifesto, is that on the one hand they say they will protect the environment and yet were vociferous in the vanguard for abortion in the other part of Ireland in May last year.
If they are sincere about protection of the environment, they should surely include protection of the most precious and most vulnerable. Maybe they have a new definition for environment just to suit their purpose at this moment in time. But, while they have been cute enough to omit abortion from their manifesto it speaks volumes of Sinn Féin and their commitment to the environment in its entirety. In any case, for whom are they protecting the environment as they pursue their programme of eugenics?
As for campaigning for the Irish Language Act, again the same question could be asked – for whom are the seeking the Language Act?
And, as a token of sincerity on this issue, maybe their vice-leader and others in the forefront of the party clamouring for a Language Act, could learn the language. No-one is denying them the right to get the oul book out and learn it. But, then again it’s always been manifest.
‘Rights for all’. How hollow when their aim is to leave the unborn baby with no given rights. Their campaign for abortion will mean that no child in the womb has any human rights until it is born.
MALACHY DUFFIN
Randalstown, Co Antrim
Sinn Féin right not to take Westminster oaths
Sinn Féin’s policy of not sending elected representatives to Westminster has once again come under attack in recent time during the Brexit shenanigans. The policy of ‘abstentionism – the refusal to take seats in any Irish or British parliament – remained at the heart of Sinn Fein’s ideology for more than 60 years until its part removal in 1986 on the grounds that it was no longer relevant.
Sinn Féin decided to enter Dáil Eireann and embrace constitutional politics, for what historically was to be a seismic change in the Republican Movement.
Kenneth Clarke’s customs union motion or should I say addendum is not legally binding in Westminster other than for discussion, was defeated by three votes. It was suggested Sinn Féin could have secured this addendum if they had taken their seats in Westminster. But why should they swear allegiance to an unelected British monarch to achieve this indicative vote.
Hypothetically, can you imagine the fury in Westminster if Irish republicans had got involved and made a difference. The UK government are stringing out negotiations by applying their time tested divide and conquer strategy. However, in this case it’s working in an inverse manner with consequential damage to the parties in Westminster. The DUP, once parading around Westminster like proud peacocks in defence of a Union that is collapsing around them are in a hole, still digging. They have been duped. The Brexiteers will dump the DUP in the end. They won’t want to be linked with them when their usefulness has expired.
Sinn Féin maintain that they will not compromise on refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the British monarch and, furthermore, that their decision is supported by their voters, who supported them in full knowledge of the party’s stance on abstentionism.
Through generations many people have done many things for Ireland to achieve their ultimate goal, but to take oaths in Westminster for Ireland, never.
JAMES G BARRY
Templeogue, Dublin
Creative proposal for election time
The local elections are upon us and it is time to focus on policy initiatives that could make a real difference. All the better if they can command cross-community support. Most people, including the political parties, have agreed that inquiring into clerical child sexual abuse and making provision to help the victims are thoroughly good things. There is another child abuse scandal that has disfigured this society since 1970. It is the abuse of children by paramilitary organisations, both loyalist and republican. At this stage, there are hundreds and hundreds of these mutilated victims. Their voices have rarely been heard and their special needs as victims have not been recognised. In a year that so far has been marked by political disappointments of all kinds, would it not be wonderful if one or more of the political parties did the courageous thing, and came out and proposed a commission of enquiry into the paramilitary abuse of children. Such an enquiry might perhaps be modelled on the clerical sex abuse commissions rather than the more expensive judicial enquiries. It would be one ray of light in the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society and a milestone along the way to dealing with our troubled past.
LIAM KENNEDY
Belfast BT7
Crumbling English empire
I refer to Mr Mc Narry’s letter (April 5). On January 4 the international monetary fund published a world GDP indicator. United Kingdom was placed seventh.Its position continues to gradually decline. Brexiteers always claim position four or five. This is totally spurious.
I am unaware of economic evidence to support his claim. Since 2008 the UK’s national debt has risen sharply and now exceeds £1.78 trillion. This is 88 per cent of GDP. This English empire has crumbled and cannot be replaced or reignited. Brexiteers do not or will not accept this fact and fantasise for a conjured ‘Rule Britannia’.
Interdependence and not independent is a route to national prosperity and good political relationships with other countries.
BRIAN WILSON
Craigavon, Co Armagh
Does DUP have no shame?
Does the DUP not feel a little embarrassed, by calling themselves British, when 73 per cent of Britain sees them as northern ‘Irish’ citizens or more commonly as ‘half-baked Brits’? The results of the past week in British politics, when they were thrown under a bus and overlooked and shamed, should certainly tell them. They were only being used as scapegoats or mouth pieces by the British elite. Now that they have come down to Earth with a bump they should start talking to the only friends they have, namely Sinn Féin and get Stormont back and running, with a shared and peaceful government, free from back stabbers.
JOHN MATTHEWS
Lurgan, Co Armagh
