Why should Michael D have to go to service in the North? – Independent.ie

Your leader column on Saturday outlines succinctly a major event in Irelands history that is still reverberating. You correctly state: And so, a century later, we find ourselves once again in heated exchanges over the establishment of Northern Ireland.

his need not be so. It is beside the point whetherMichael D Higginsshouldbe in attendance at the mixed denominational religious service commemorating the establishment and history of Northern Ireland.

It is right, however, that Queen Elizabeth should be in attendance. She is the head of the Church of England. PresidentHiggins is not a religious leader,so why should he participate?

Archbishop Eamon Martin is Catholic Primate of Northern Ireland and Ireland and will be participating in this religious ceremony. That is surely enough Irish representation, North and South.

Perhapsthe powers that bein Romemight consider making the Catholic Primates office in Armagh the head of the Catholic Church for Northern Irelandand create a new office of Catholic Primate for Irelandexcluding Northern Ireland.

Even though 100 years late,it would be a concrete conciliatorygesture of recognition to the people of Northern Ireland and Queen Elizabeth.

Micheal OCathail

Dn Laoghaire, Co Dublin

SOMETIMES a messianic, neutral third party can bring the most obdurate sides together.

Can we not imagine leaders and former leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fin with the current Irish Government and its British opposite being led by Queen Elizabeth and President Higgins as they all line-dance on Rockall to the charming music of Garth Brooks?

Would that not satisfy all the egos involved?

Eugene Tannam

Firhouse, Dublin

THE greyhound community is a family community of peoplewho have been meeting on a constant basis, week in, week out, for generations. It is like any club GAA club, golf club, bridge club and so on. Life-long friendships are formed.

There are people who act against the law in any sport,including greyhound racing.

However,people who own greyhounds know that unless your dog is well-cared for,it will not perform.

I am aware there are pros and cons in every debate and we are in a time when misinformation is rife.

If the hobby of greyhound racing is stopped,one would have to ask the question:Whats next?

Name and address with the Editor

THE Government is concerned with the huge price increases being levied on gas and electricity.

It is a great pity that, when they were merrily dismantling the ESB and handing the sector over to the market,those predicting that more expensive energy charges would result were ignored.

Here is another prediction:not only will we have to suffer the huge hikes in the cost of energy we use,but we will have to pick up the tab as the Government uses our moneyto save companies and their profits.These days, the ordinary Joe never seems to get a break.

Jim OSullivan

Rathedmond, Sligo

I WENT to two pubs that wanted my name and number just for a drink outside.

One had the list of contacts tracing open and unattended on a table outside. Anyone could have taken a photo of the contents.

I went to a third pub where a lovely lady brought me out a pint and didnt ask me for anything, except money.

John Williams

Clonmel, Co Tipperary

REGARDING Saturdays article suggesting Dublin City Council is biased toward the southside when it comes to sculpture the countrys largest outdoor sculpture exhibition is happening right now in the National Botanic Gardens on the northside.

Edmund Ball

Dn Laoghaire, CoDublin

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Why should Michael D have to go to service in the North? - Independent.ie