The second meeting of the united Ireland forum in the Galmont Hotel in Galway City on October 28 was similar to the first one in Cork – an intellectual bandwagon without any detail about government institutions in a united Ireland, just discursive debate on issues. Ample empty seats were available with a significant emigrant demographic or ‘new Irish’ making up the audience. Live streaming on YouTube had a maximum of just 27 watching. The debate got underway with the need for diversity and inclusivity in a united Ireland. Language, especially the Irish language, took centre stage for a period. Once again, flags and anthems were mentioned and it was felt by some that they were an important issue. However, education was seen as a big barrier in linking up the north/south education systems and issues to do with points or reciprocal achievements and recognition. Concern was raised about whether a united Ireland would be dominated by the Republic, or the scenario that the larger would take over the smaller and that needed to be addressed. Unlike the Cork debate, unionism as a talking point got more time. Panellists felt that unionism was now more open and the problem might be more to do with the southern establishment opening up and having interest in a united Ireland and how to persuade the Irish government to “get ready and interested enough in a referendum”. What to call the new republic was also raised, as it was felt by one speaker that the Republic had taken “ownership of the name Ireland”. The case for unity was argued on the precedent of German unification, but acknowledged that the Northern Ireland situation was not the same, but those problems could be solved as they were in Germany. It was, however, admitted that external factors brought about German unification, as Brexit was engendering a united Ireland. A member of the audience remarked that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil may not support a united Ireland because of conceited career issues and noted their absence from the panel in not participating – until a FF councillor stood up from the audience to rebut the argument. However, avid united-Islander TD Eamon O’Cúiv of FF advertised as one of the panellists, did not turn up. It was also claimed that nationalists would not readily vote for a united Ireland easily in giving up the free NHS. And postulated that unionists should not veto a united Ireland and mandatory coalition should be done away with. Others felt distinctions between citizenship and nationality was the answer, and those who felt the children of future generations would decide whether a united Ireland happened or not.
MAURICE FITZGERALD
Shanbally, Co Cork
Greedy Armagh GAA county board
I am writing to voice my concerns about Armagh GAA county board’s decision to charge children under 16 into championship games.
I decided to attend the Crossmaglen v Clan Na Gael preliminary round match on September 12, along with my brother and our two kids (aged 11 and 12).
We don’t support either team but like to attend regularly, it doesn’t really matter who plays as we like to support the Armagh GAA community.
When we arrived we asked about tickets, to be told that Armagh county board were charging children £6 – the same as adults. When we asked why we were told a decision had been made at county board level that no concessions would apply for the early round games.
We attended the Clann Eireann v Ballymacnab semi-final game and this time they wanted £5 per child. Once again I asked why? I was told a decision was made that concessions would apply to later round games; children £5, adults £12.
My child was charged £6 for a preliminary round match and then £5 for a semi-final match. He should be free. How is this fair ticket pricing?
It’s very disappointing that the county board thinks its a good idea to charge children. In fact its a disgrace. There’s no excuse for charging children this amount and it should be stopped straight away. Common sense does not seem to be in great supply.
We go to many games all around Armagh, buy tickets for the county monthly draws, buy half-time tickets and buy Armagh kits etc. Always putting our hands into our pockets when money is needed for Armagh GAA and we are rewarded for loyalty and commitment by being charged to take our kids into championship games.
I would like to hear from fellow GAA fans in other counties and see if this is common practice.
If this is not common practice in other counties, I think Armagh county board need to rethink this strategy ASAP.
SHANE NUGENT
Grange, Co Armagh
Mathematical problem
A disingenuous and feeble article by Brian Feeney (October 27) in trying to create a conspiracy that infers a nebulous plot blocking a Sinn Féin government. His problem is mathematical. The Dáil has 160 seats and 81 are required to govern. The days of any single party obtaining a majority to rule are now expunged.
I cannot foresee any party exceeding 70. Coalition governments will be the norm after future elections. The electorate appear content and the politicians must establish stable structures.
Let’s assume Sinn Féin win 50-55 and are the largest party. A shortfall of say 30 for a functioning government. FF are in terminal decline and may muster 25 seats and the Greens possibly 20. A substantial rump of contrary argumentative independent members will for various reasons not coalesce to sustain a workable and disciplined governing institution. A SF and FG coalition with a combined total of say 85 seats seems an implausible solution.
BRIAN WILSON
Craigavon, Co Armagh
Warning to worshippers
In replying to Brian Wilson – ‘Glib denial of limbo disputed’ (October 21) –in which he related instances of thunderous shouting by missionary priests warning the faithful about what could happen after death, I wish to put forward a little story heard a few years ago.
After one of the said priests told the worshippers at a country mission: “Every person in this parish will have to die.” He noticed a man with a broad smile in the front row. After asking the person what he was smiling about the following was the reply: “Sure I’m not from this parish.”
NOEL COOGAN
Navan, Co Meath
Shop local
It appears that the Shop Local cards have been a relative success.
Given that there now appears to be some doubt over the Executive’s plans to promote the local hotel sector with a similar scheme, would it make more sense to use the money set aside for that scheme to simply add another £100 top up to the Shop Local card?
This could then at least be used to mitigate cuts to benefits and offset rising fuel and food costs this winter.
DR BERNARD MULHOLLAND
Belfast BT9
