Times Letter

Madam, - At last! An acknowledgement, from none other than Fintan O'Toole (Opinion, October 12th), that "Catholics now feel as if their convictions have come to be regarded as a social embarrassment" and that "there is clearly something deeply dysfunctional about our notions of pluralism". Of course, many of us have been saying this for a considerable length of time. Perhaps the voice of a well- known liberal will finally hit home.

By any rationale pluralism means encompassing all opinions - except in Ireland, where it is taken to mean all except those of Catholics, as now accepted by Mr O'Toole. Are those most vociferous in calling for pluralism in our society prepared to accept genuine pluralism?

In an otherwise excellent article, I take issue with Mr O'Toole's claim that the Church is clinging to control of Catholic schools. I take it that it is accepted that parents have the right to decide on their children's education and that most Catholic parents want their children in schools with a Catholic ethos? Surely we are not back to the argument that this is precluded by pluralism? Whatever may be allowed by law, we are all well aware that Catholic schools accept pupils of all religions and none.

I look forward to an increasing awareness of true compassion and acceptance, both sadly lacking in our society. - Yours, etc.,

Mrs MARY STEWART,

Ardeskin,

Donegal Town.