Opinion

Letters to the editor: One-sided unionist view shows mindset paralysed in the past

Trevor Ringland’s latest contribution (July 9) further enlightens me to his mindset and how it is paralysed in the past.

His totally one-sided unionist views outshine his attempt of being of liberal mind. He asks if John Finucane, Belfast’s lord mayor, supports his party’s position on the past, especially IRA actions.

As a young man John’s recollection of the Troubles is probably witnessing the murder of his father by unionist paramilitaries.

Woeful question from him, the physical war is long over.

The IRA was non-existent in 1969 and only resurrected by virtue of unionist onslaughts on innocent Catholic homes while the RUC stood idly by.

Totally vulnerable to further attacks they pleaded for help and the IRA resurfaced. If blame is to be pointed let Trevor do so in the direction of the initial perpetrators.

He makes no mention of the RUC E4A group’s involvement in shoot-to-kill, their collusion with loyalist murder gangs (eg Mount Vernon gang), children murdered by rubber bullets, the Shankill Butchers.

I acknowledge the IRA carried out some inexcusable acts but without an impartial police force who had the community to turn to for protection?

Did Trevor question the PUP mayor’s past views when elected?

Even though I had a close relative murdered by the UVF I had no issue with his election. It’s democracy.

Unfortunately the UVF failed in their ceasefire commitment (28 murders since, all unionist victims) while the IRA kept theirs.

Sinn Féin are a legitimate party, people see them as their path to a united Ireland and vote for them. If Trevor has an issue with that he is not a democrat.

TOMÁS Ó DUBHAGÁIN


Belfast BT11

More posts from Cork-shire will see us through Brexit

Well done that man. Maurice Fitzgerald’s timely observations (July 8) certainly opened our eyes to the ‘dangers’ of a no-deal Brexit.

While Maurice didn’t point out anything not already covered by others in the Letters page, (even my own humble self), he did manage to repeat it with old Etonian gravitas.

I too am fearful that the English are intent on selling this wonderful union, this septic isle, (and our wee bit sort of tacked on), down the Danube. Can it be so? After all, when has mother England ever done us ill. She only ever spanked us ’cause we were naughty. I for one will always be grateful for that kindly hand on Ireland’s shoulder, It makes one almost forget the other one pointing the gun at our backs.

Still, it was always for our own good. I further share Maurice’s shock at the gentry conniving in ways only expected of the lefties, the greenies and the tweenies. How could the Conservative and (gasp) Unionist Party ever contemplate, (please forgive my ungentlemanly language, but Maurice’s emotion is contagious),  screwing over we happy Angloids.

Damn it, I even watched cricket once without slumbering. If Boris brings us out without a deal he will end the union and may never get a Christmas card from Maurice Fitzgerald. If he does so with a deal he will be called Lundy, for he gives us what we Angloids want and  not what we say. Should he fail to take us out he will forever be blanked in the pubs of Bangor yet never have to buy a drink.

Perhaps Boris can be made to understand the danger of those rough Nordies polluting the still waters of the Republic. The soft lilt of the Cork accent overwhelmed by the grate of a Belfast or, please no, a west Belfast voice, “Waterboutye. Where’s all these rebels?” Anyway chaps, keep calm, a stiff upper lip and a few more posts from Cork-shire should see us through.

GERARD HERDMAN


Belfast BT11

Summer can be stressful time for children

Summer holidays for most children are a time to relax and have fun with family and friends. However, for some children, the end of school term can unfortunately be very stressful and difficult because of problems within their families.

Last year, the NSPCC’s Childline service delivered more than 550 counselling sessions with children contacting them from Northern Ireland where the young person’s main concern was an issue with their family relationships.

Behind mental and emotional health, family relationships are the second-most frequent reason why young people contact Childline and many children talked about seeing family arguments and conflict. Some of them said that listening to their parents argue made them feel scared, upset and tearful and talked about retreating to their bedrooms to get away from the conflict and to feel safe.

For many school can provide a sanctuary from issues in the home which then become inescapable during the long summer holiday.

Childline is available 24/7 by phone or online to listen and support.

Children can contact Childline by phone on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk.

MAIREAD MONDS


Childline manager, Northern Ireland

Consumed with indignation

I have just read Tom Cooper’s latest letter and find myself consumed with indignation (July 11). It is usual for supporters of abortion to assume that everything they think is normal and correct and sneer at people who do not think as they do but my usual reaction to this is a weary shrug and a stiffening of my resolve not to be browbeaten.

I oppose abortion because I believe it to be wrong and I do not think this makes me either ignorant or a dinosaur, no matter what the vociferous pro-abortion lobby keeps insinuating. However, to be described as a Catholic fellow traveller of the DUP is a sneer too far.


Tom Cooper, I have taken personal offence at this and can’t understand why someone who persistently uses The Irish News to further his arguments should find it necessary to insult a fair percentage of its readership.

C MURRAY


Belfast BT11

Unacceptable behaviour

Health and Safety applies to every occupation but doesn’t seem to apply to patients – ‘Unacceptable cancer  waiting times’ (June 28). Actions which are endangering people lives would not be tolerated on a building site.


If you were not wearing a safety helmet on a building site, you would be put off the site.

If you are delaying treatment which is life threatening, you are endangering that person’s life. It would not be tolerated on a building site, so why is it tolerated in a hospital where life is supposed to be safe?

LIAM ARCHIBALD


Draperstown,  Co Derry