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Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Unionist hierarchy is at fault for fiasco over Belfast bonfire
This showed a crass lack of understanding from someone born in Belfast, when a visit to engage by any of these three parties would not only have failed abjectly, but would also have posed a significant threat to their lives and limbs. Indeed, I remember a visit by the singer and politician Dana, acting independently and in good faith, to my native Drumcree in an attempt to engage with protesters maintaining a long vigil at the church during one of the many violent parade impasses there in the late 1990s. She was immediately escorted off site by senior Orange officials 'for her own safety' (their words). The real abdicators of responsibility were DUP leader Gavin Robinson and his deputy leader and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (who was in the royal box at Wimbledon last week). They not only failed to engage or visit the site, but portrayed legitimate opposition to it on the grounds of health and safety, ludicrously, as another attack on their culture. Mervyn Gibson, a senior OrangeOrder figure and Presbyterian minister, encouraged people to attend the asbestos-ridden bonfire site and, I quote, 'enjoy themselves'. The fact that the PSNI did not comply with Belfast City Council's democratic decision to dismantle the bonfire was not only an abdication of responsibility, but one that raises serious concerns about the continuing existence and malign influence of unionist paramilitaries, law enforcement and, ultimately, as to who actually runs Northern Ireland. Tony Fearon, Poyntzpass, Co Down Hopeless politicians are leaving us in lurch Madam — It was so depressing to read Richard Curran ('Ireland can't afford to dismiss Trump's 30pc tariff threat', July 13) and Conor Skehan ('We will pay dearly for failing to apply a key test to big decisions', July 13) setting out clearly the awful mess we have created for ourselves. We seem to suffer from a hopelessly incompetent political class, unable or unwilling to see where we have gone wrong and unwilling to take the radical decisions that are patently necessary to solve our numerous structural faults as a society. The dogs in the street know what's wrong, but our politicians, of every party, only seem capable of wringing their hands and crying: 'Ochón, ochón, what's to be done?' I respect Micheál Martin, but the man has never had a radical thought in his head. And the rest of them? They have their ministerial cars and they will make soothing noises from time to time indicating their concern. And I do acknowledge that they are concerned, but it's not enough to talk — they must do something. When Donogh O'Malley, as minister for education, was making his way into the Dáil chamber many years ago to announce his plan for universal free secondary education, a senior civil servant ran after him imploring him not to do it as the finance was unavailable. If only he were here today. Anthony Hanrahan, Salruck, Renvyle, Co Galway We don't care about future generations Madam — Conor Skehan's outstanding article last week is essential reading for every politician in Ireland. He speaks of the 'common good', which is written in our Constitution, but is being completely ignored by our politicians, who are trying to please everyone. This means no decisions are made and our essential infrastructure projects move at a snail's pace. I heard a Cork politician on the radio during the week saying the proposed Cork Luas might have its first passengers in 2040. Is this a joke? Planning processes cannot ride roughshod over objectors, but common sense must win out. It's time for our politicians to grow a spine, make decisions for the 'common good' and think of the generations to come. Maurice Curtin, Garryvoe, Co Cork 'Everyman' Tánaiste paying us lip service Madam — I found myself laughing heartily on reading Mary Regan's interview with Tánaiste Simon Harris ('I do the supermarket shop — I get it. But I can't say I'm part of the squeezed middle', July 13). He appears to be at pains to say that he is one of us. The big problem for the Tánaiste is that he cannot magic away the cost-of-living crisis with empathetic statements. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Moaning over school costs is nonsense Madam — It is now more expensive than ever to send your child back to school after the holidays, according to a report by the Irish League of Credit Unions. This surprises me, as all schoolbooks are free for everybody, from primary to secondary. Some of our big retail stores just staged a price war on school uniforms — a full one can be bought for little as €15. Black runners are replacing expensive school shoes. Some schools still require special crested jumpers, but most now just have a plain jumper of designated colour. On top of this, a big grant is handed out yearly to cover the cost of getting your child kitted out if you are under a specific income threshold. A number of schools offer free lunches, and some even offer breakfast. Back in the 1980s, I put four children through education. Because my husband was earning, a grant was out of the question. All books had to be bought and paid for. All jumpers were crested. A standard uniform would cost more than €40. There was no such thing as a free lunch, apart from Deis schools. We always paid the necessary capitation fee for each child. Did we complain? No. We prudently saved enough money throughout the summer to get us through. We accepted the struggle so that our children could be educated. Sometimes I feel that the more handouts that are given, the more is expected. Now is a much better time for children's education compared with times of austerity. We should be grateful that such help is available. C Dodd, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 Forget Gen Z stare: start valuing people Madam — Saoirse Hanley's article on sitting in a pub and not engaging with those near her, reminds me of a trending topic on the internet at the moment: the 'Gen Z stare' ('Is refusing to engage in small talk the perfect example of boundary-setting – or just a symptom of Gen Z rudeness?', Life, July 13). The 'Gen Z stare' is described as a long, blank expressionless or disengaged stare in a variety of social situations but particularly by those working in customer-facing situations. Some experts argue that Gen Z are being misjudged while others contend the 'Gen Z stare' represents something deeper, more meaningful and far more serious than what you see on the surface. Gen Z, those currently aged between 13 and 28, have a lot going on. They value authenticity, dislike hierarchical structures and many will have a completely different language to those of us who grew up without smartphones and the internet. We're all aware of rude customer service, but it seems the Gen Z stare is taking this to another level. All the more reason then to value highly the person that looks you in the eye with a smile as they ask how your day has been while they pour your pint, fix your flat white or dispense your prescription. Tom McElligott, Tournageehy, Co Kerry MetroLink chief's salary an eye-opener Madam — Having been born in England to Irish parents, I always remember my father's reaction to things that would be unlikely to come to pass. 'When's that going to happen, Dad?' we would ask. The answer: 'When Nelson gets his arm back.' This came to mind as I read Niamh Horan's interview with MetroLink's Sean Sweeney ('If my minister doesn't trust me, I would need to go', July 6). I was astounded to learn that there is a chief executive of a project where a single sod has yet to be turned, and on a salary of €550,000. Not bad for a project that will probably never get the go-ahead, never mind reach completion. Mike Burke, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare Kilkenny arrogance cost them semi-final Madam — Eamon Sweeney writes that Kilkenny, their supporters and the viewers at home were blackguarded because of a mix-up on the scoreboard during their All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary. Granted, the players look on the scoreboard as a way to check the score but, as Sweeney himself said, on five occasions Kilkenny turned down point-scoring opportunities to try for a goal instead. If they had gone for points, and scored, they would have won the game. Kilkenny's arrogance lost them the game. Someone made a mistake — get over it. Pat Duffy, Limerick Our morality compels us to enact Israeli bill Madam — I read David Quinn's article ('Our foreign policy is a baffling mess', July 6) and Philip Hannigan's supporting letter ('Anti-Israel stance has isolated our nation', July 13). I disagree with Mr Quinn as I believe enacting the Occupied Territories Bill is a moral and ethical thing to do. If, as Mr Hannigan warns, the US may impose special sanctions against Ireland as a result, then that tells us how warped the world's moral compass has become. We in Ireland can't do much, but we can enact this bill and send a clear message to Israel and the US that we abhor their treatment of the Palestinians. There most likely will be negative consequences for us, but that doesn't mean we should stay silent and do nothing. At least I am allowed to disagree with you, Mr Quinn and Mr Hannigan, and not have negative consequences for myself. I suspect if I was writing to a paper in the US or maybe even in Britain, I would be accused of being antisemitic. Mairéad Holsgrove, Terenure, Dublin 6W Orphans dined on a rare 'royal' sturgeon Madam — While reading about the sturgeon recently caught off Kerry ('Caviar-producing sturgeon 'extinct in Irish waters' found off Valentia Island', July 13) I was reminded that one of my father's fishing trawlers had also caught one in relatively recent times — off Hook Head back in 1962. My father, John Baldwin, forewent the value of the rare fish (but reimbursed his crewmen for loss of earnings) when he presented the rare 'royal' sturgeon to president Éamon de Valera. There was a tradition that the fish would be the property of the nation's leader. Mr de Valera in turn authorised the passing-on of the fish to the Good Shepherd Convent in Waterford city to be used as food for the orphans living there. Tom Baldwin, Midleton, Co Cork Cass Review's hard lessons are ignored Madam — I was struck by the letter criticising the Cass Review ('Cass Review shown to have deep flaws', July 13). The Cass Review is not a political document. It is a comprehensive and sobering analysis of how experimental treatments, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, became normalised for distressed children without robust evidence of long-term benefit. We are now seeing thousands of young people across multiple countries coming forward to say they were harmed by medical interventions they were too young to understand and too vulnerable to question. The pattern is increasingly clear: poor evidence, weak oversight and ideological capture. And now, in true Irish tradition, we are being told to ignore the warning signs yet again. Because why learn from the mistakes of other countries when we can repeat them ourselves with even greater enthusiasm? It worked so well with symphysiotomies, didn't it, when women were maimed for decades while the rest of the world moved on. Perhaps in 30 years we'll be holding state inquiries, lighting candles and wondering how on earth it all happened. Again. Sarah Holmes, Newcastle, Co Wicklow Summer is only a rumour up north Madam — Naoise Dolan may loathe the sun in Dublin, but some of us up north wouldn't mind the chance to loathe it more often ('No, I am not enjoying 'the lovely weather' — but I do like a whinge', July 13). Here in Armagh, summer is a rumour. We get about three days of it — and two are usually damp. SPF remains mostly theoretical. And as for tourists blocking pavements, we're just pleased someone's found us. While I admire Ms Dolan's defence of Irish whingeing, I must gently point out that pessimistic small talk isn't uniquely Dublin's. In the North, we've elevated it to an art form — we just do it while watching the rain fall sideways. So let Dublin stew in its sunshine. Up here, we measure summer not in degrees but in glimpses — a shaft of light on a gable wall, the brief scent of cut grass before the drizzle returns. We don't need the sun to be grateful. We just need it to show up now and then, unannounced, like a cousin from Belfast. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Co Armagh Dublin's postal woes given scant regard Madam — I always enjoy the unique contributions from Declan Lynch. However, his focus on 'rural post offices closing' ('Post office closures give me double vision', July 13) once again raises the often-ignored impact of 'national' decision-making on Dublin. In addition to the closure of too many post offices in rural Ireland, every post office in Dublin 4 closed down in recent years with not a whimper from any media, particularly the so-called public service broadcaster based in the heart of the area. Dermot Lacey, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 Little Richard was bought for a song Madam — Declan Lynch tells us in his radio review ('Magical musical tour led by the great O'Connor') that Little Richard earned but a pittance from the sales of his hit Tutti Frutti. A case of 'good golly less lolly'?
Otago Daily Times
16-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Tireless work for community marked
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott (left) presents JD Miller with a community service award for his substantial and long-lasting contributions. PHOTO: BRIAR EADE More than 50 years of volunteer work from one Riversdale man has been recognised, celebrating his work in the town he calls home. If there is an organisation in Riversdale then there is a good chance JD (John) Miller has been involved, giving his time and effort to help out. He played a key role in the Riversdale Cemetery Trust, of which during his over 50 years of work he was the sexton until recently, and he holds a life membership with the Returned and Services Association. Mr Miller was no stranger to the rugby field either, playing for 21 years before moving on to coaching, refereeing and other administrative roles. Eventually he became the club secretary and president of the Northern Southland Rugby Union, and was made a life member in 2009. Other organisations he has been involved with include Hato Hone St John, the Riversdale Combined Sports Association and Presbyterian churches around the region. Now the community has handed him a token of their appreciation, with Southland District Mayor Rob Scott and the Ardlussa Community Board bestowing a community service award. Mr Scott said people like Mr Miller made towns in Southland great and celebrated his continual efforts in the community. "This community wouldn't be the same without people like [John], who take real ownership of it and lead by example," he said. The award was not only a prestigious but was very well deserved, as Mr Scott said it was a reflection of the best of these communities. "These community awards carry a lot of mana with them, and when you look at the people they are presented to, you realise that's where the mana comes from. "Looking at the work [John] has done over every single facet of the Riversdale community, he certainly is a deserving recipient of this award," Mr Scott said. — APL
Belfast Telegraph
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
DUP junior minister lays wreath at Irish National War Memorial Gardens
The gardens in Islandbridge, a Dublin suburb, are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. Ceremonies took place across the Republic to honour all Irish casualties who died in wars or on service with the United Nations and other international organisations. DUP junior minister Pam Cameron tweeted that it had been 'an absolute privilege to have laid a wreath on behalf of the deputy First Minister (Emma Little-Pengelly) and the Northern Ireland Executive this 12th of July at the Annual Ceremony of Remembrance, Irish National War Memorial Gardens. #lestweforget' Irish President Michael D Higgins laid a wreath at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin, which was also attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris, other government ministers and members of the Council of State. It was the 14th National Day of Commemoration attended by Mr Higgins as president and the last before he leaves office later this year. Former Presbyterian Moderator, the Very Rev Dr David Bruce, represented the Church at the event in Kilmainham. Speaking about the event, Dr Bruce said that it has always been 'a great sense of privilege personally, and for the Presbyterian community as a whole, to take part in this national commemoration'. Representatives from veterans' organisations, the diplomatic corps and the defence forces were also in attendance. Mr Martin told the ceremony: 'It is fitting that we remember here today all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on military service with United Nations or other international organisations in the service of peace.' An act of commemoration was led by leaders from various faiths. The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying by President Higgins on behalf of the people of Ireland, followed by a fly-past by the Air Corps. Ceremonies were also held in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford, with an event in Sligo due later in the day.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Explore Ayrshire's fascinating history by walking in the footsteps of Covenanters
A brand new walking trail that charts the history of the Covenanters, a Presbyterian movement in 17th century Scotland who opposed English interference in their religion, will be officially opened in East Ayrshire next Saturday One of life's great simple pleasures is enjoying a walk on a summer's day. But for regular ramblers, it can get quickly repetitive to do the same routes over and over. Good news, then, that there is now a brand-new walking trail set to open next weekend – the Covenanter's Trail in East Ayrshire. On Saturday 19 July, a special event will mark the official opening of this 7.74-mile (12.46 km) walking route that traces the footsteps of Scotland's Covenanting past. The event will begin at 11am at Lochgoin Museum, a site of deep historical significance dedicated to the memory of the Covenanting cause in Ayrshire. So who were the Covenanters? A significant religious movement in 17th-century Scotland, the Covenanters had strong roots in Ayrshire, where they championed Presbyterianism and opposed English interference in Scottish religion, especially royal efforts to impose changes under Charles I. In 1638 thousands of Scots signed the National Covenant, sparking the Bishops' Wars and securing control of the Scottish government. They fiercely fought to keep Scotland's spiritual independence, and many faced persecution and execution until the Church of Scotland was restored as Presbyterian in 1688. My knowledge of this chapter in Scotland's history was admittedly minimal before embarking on the trail. Thankfully then, the walking route started at Lochgoin Covenanters' Museum, an impressively comprehensive venue found in a modest cottage on the site of a working farm. Free to enter, the museum features plenty of information on local Ayrshire Covenanters, as well as artefacts, armoury and an interactive video screen. It's a great place to initiate yourself in the Covenanting cause before beginning the walk – though it's important to note that this is a linear route and does not return to the same starting point. As a result, if you park your car at the Covenanting Museum you will have to be prepared to walk back to the start point, or arrange return transport. With that in mind, East Ayrshire Leisure are arranging opportunities to join the walk at various points, including Waterside and Fenwick, on the day of the official launch. From the museum, the route passes by the Lochgoin Monument, an impressive structure that offers wonderful views across the open farmland and across to the turbines of Whitelee Windfarm. It then winds across the open moorland of the windfarm, a strangely soothing environment that feels a world away from city life. From there, it passes through some truly scenic stretches of countryside, alongside key memorials and points of interest from the history of the Ayrshire Covenanters. Eventually it finishes at the charming village of Fenwick, at the village's historic parish church (built back in 1643). The kirkyard contains various graves and memorials to key figures in the Covenanting cause, and it's a fascinating place to wander around and learn more about the lives of those who gave everything for their religion. I found the route to be both an eye-opening insight into the history of the area, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable route through some gorgeous stretches of untouched countryside. If you think you would like to explore the Covenanters Trail, make sure you head along to the official opening event next weekend. The event will begin at 11am at Lochgoin Museum with a short opening ceremony, before following the trail in its entirety to Fenwick Parish Church. Along the way, there will be moments of reflection at key points on the route, with Rev. Kim Watt, Minister of Fenwick Church, offering walkers the opportunity to pause and consider the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives during this turbulent period in Scottish history. The walk is expected to conclude at Fenwick Parish Church at approximately 2.30pm, where refreshments will be provided and the community will have the chance to gather in reflection. In addition to the walk, a Conventicle Service will be held on Sunday at 3pm on Sunday 20 July at Fenwick Parish Church. This service will commemorate the spirit of the secret outdoor worship gatherings once held by the Covenanters – a fitting conclusion to the weekend's events. To find out more, visit
South Wales Argus
07-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Faith Matters, Andrew Lightbown on different types of sins
I am a sinner and wearing a dog collar provides no special dispensation or immunity from temptation. Sin, of course, has many manifestations, some of which can be thought of as pure evil: murder, genocide, rape, hate crimes, but sin can also be beguiling and subtle. We know we are on slippery ground when that little voice whispers sentiments such as 'just once,' or 'nobody will know,' or 'it doesn't really matter.' The problem is that all sin matters, and 'just once' has an appalling tendency to morph into an ongoing pattern of behaviour that ends up undermining, hurting, or in the words of the Lord's Prayer, trespassing against the dignity of others. Sin matters because it causes real and enduring harm. I suspect that there are two primary impulses that lead to sin: hate (which has an appalling tendency to masquerade as mere dislike, or still worse, righteousness) and self-centeredness. Most of us are likely to be tempted by the illusion that our self-interest is of paramount importance, and that it is through acting in our own interests that we become free. In fact, we can take it one stage further, for the temptation is always there to believe that our self-interest is a God given right. May we not, again in the words of the Lord's Prayer, be led 'into' this form of 'temptation' for when we believe and act solely out of self-interest, the inevitable outcome is harm. To cause harm, wittingly or unwittingly, is to sin. The Presbyterian theologian Peter Marshall wrote these words: 'May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.' Overcoming sin is a matter of stopping doing those things that are motivated solely by self-interest, in the honest recognition that such temptations are ever present and, instead, doing those things that may end up being of greater benefit to others than ourselves. The paradox is that when we start doing this, what we begin to experience is freedom, lasting freedom. For people of faith, freedom is not an abstract, essentially libertarian philosophical category, but is rather to be found in the defeat of temptation, trespass, and sin, and the mechanism through which these are defeated is prayer.
