Dignity of this son is a lesson for all

Independent.ie

The bitterness of Michael's relatives in their interviews was astounding.

The way they spoke ill of the deceased Phyllis and the implied defence of the behaviour of Michael in denying his son, was unreasonable and ridiculous. Maintaining the sense of "keeping up appearances" seemed to be the way to go as far as they were concerned.

But the triumph of the human spirit, in the manly form of Ross, brought to the screen the spirit of love for both his parents and his dignity in trying to make sense of where he now finds himself in life. We can all learn much from the good heart and broadmindedness of this young man.

It was not the actions of 17-year-old Phyllis having a relationship with the much older man, that caused Michael his problems because she fell pregnant.

More the case is his denying the son of his name which is the true shame.

Michael would have lived and died in more peace if he had found the courage to declare them a family.

One thing is certain. The young man Ross, though perhaps shorter in stature than his father, is head and shoulders above him -- and others -- when clear thinking and honesty are called for. We should wish him well. I feel he will do great things in his life.

In an article which tried to provide an apologia for Fr Michael Cleary and Bishop Eamon Casey, Martina Devlin concluded that they were ok because they "had charisma" and "gave good sermons" (Irish Independent, September 6).

Hitler deserves to be rehabilitated if those are grounds for judgement. Both treated us ordinary sinners with contempt, while insisting on being the public face of a revered religion which, as Martina Devlin points out, has "been around for 2,000 years".

Contrary to Ms Devlin's argument that they should be praised because they could "pack a house", it was precisely because they were such influential celebrities that they did so much damage.

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