Unionists struck by virus of irrationality

Just as we are recovering from the ravages of Covid-19, the Protestant community is afflicted by yet another virus. More worryingly, it seems to attack the young and those who are still in their prime.

Apparently, it leaves highly intelligent adults behaving in a totally irrational manner; they start making statements that are so ridiculous you initially view them with amusement, then you’re lost for words.

I cite some of the more glaring examples. Arlene Foster, highly intelligent and gifted, has lost her confidence and continues to defer to her deputy. In their quest for votes, the DUP is now exploring areas they once viewed as morally on the margins and their rankand-file has bought into it.

East Belfast is a hotspot, with elements seeking to introduce Gaelic football into the Protestant community. You couldn’t make it up.

Then we had the spectacle of the ABC Council voting to illuminate the civic centre as a gesture against racism. Nothing wrong with that.

But you have to question its sincerity when you measure it against those same unionists turning a blind eye to the plight of working-class Protestant children in Lurgan, who have been neglected and suffered discrimination for 20 years. Even worse, Christian Churches have ignored this injustice.

Some unionists continue to support a Government that betrayed Ulster and treated us with contempt.

Every day, you rise thinking things can’t get any worse, then some misguided Churchman makes a statement that is so mind-numbing it leaves you shaking your head in disbelief.

To add to the confusion, you have a liberal media giving it all credence. Put together, you have evidence of a community in crisis.

It is noticeable that this virus is less severe in the Catholic community, who seem to have built up an immunity to it. They did this through their schools and the GAA. But they need to be careful.

If they meet these people, they risk contamination and should wear masks and rubber gloves. This virus is highly contagious and they don’t want the infection to spread.

Those who have it should be placed in isolation, permanently, and then ignored.

CLIVE MAXWELL By email