GET RID OF THAT WHICH DIVIDES
Get rid of that which divides
Sir,
I had no intention of writing to your newspaper, but the bomb on Saturday August 15 changed all that and I felt that something had to be said about such a sickening event.
Unfortunately, there seems to be no instant solutions to our problems, but there are a number of small things that could be done if people are really serious about bringing change.
For instance, there are a number of flags being flown provocatively and disrespectfully around the countryside.
These could be removed and, in the process, tidy up the environment. Those of us in organisations like the GAA and the Orange Order could do some self-examination and rid ourselves of the most offensive clauses.
For example the GAA could immediately remove Rule 21, a rule which discriminates against the police service. The members of the Orange Order could lift the rule which forbids its members attending church services in other churches.
If we are to build an inclusive society, as seems to be the intention of the Good Friday Agreement, then each of us must rid ourselves of that which divides us.
Yours,
Ciaran McClean
Omagh.
Sir,
I had no intention of writing to your newspaper, but the bomb on Saturday August 15 changed all that and I felt that something had to be said about such a sickening event.
Unfortunately, there seems to be no instant solutions to our problems, but there are a number of small things that could be done if people are really serious about bringing change.
For instance, there are a number of flags being flown provocatively and disrespectfully around the countryside.
These could be removed and, in the process, tidy up the environment. Those of us in organisations like the GAA and the Orange Order could do some self-examination and rid ourselves of the most offensive clauses.
For example the GAA could immediately remove Rule 21, a rule which discriminates against the police service. The members of the Orange Order could lift the rule which forbids its members attending church services in other churches.
If we are to build an inclusive society, as seems to be the intention of the Good Friday Agreement, then each of us must rid ourselves of that which divides us.
Yours,
Ciaran McClean
Omagh.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0529
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
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