Let’s get out and march for Vicky and Emma
SINCE last October, we, as a nation, went through two natural storms and now I feel another storm is just on the horizon.
This storm is from the Cervical Check scandal – highlighted by Vicky Phelan and Emma Mhic Mhathúna – which was caused by some higher civil servants and backed by politicians.
I’m not on Facebook or Twitter, but I’d love to call on ALL of our working nation to take one day off work without pay to march in protest to show the powers-that-be, who have borrowed the power from us, that we, the nation, are angry.
As you know, this could have affected our mothers, sisters, wives or daughters.
It’s time we stood up to fight for women and better health care for everyone.
SEAN BRENNAN, by email. ...CAN someone please explain to me why the former HSE chief gets €140,000 and the affected women will get medical cards, free transport, counselling, and maybe a cuddly toy thrown in, just to show we are a fair and just society?
PETER McGINNITY, be email
North’s ‘hate crimes’
THE burning of the Irish national flag on bonfires throughout the North is a total disgrace.
Burning effigies of the late Martin McGuinness in a coffin, alongside election posters of Sinn Féin candidates, and others, flies in the face of democracy.
Those responsible should be prosecuted for hate crimes. Racism has no place on this island, even by the standards of normal Orange Order Twelfth celebrations. Nowhere else in Europe would the burning of national flags be tolerated and should be condemned by the DUP.
What if every Bastille Day the Union Jack was burned across France? There would be diplomatic protests and riots on the streets.
But in Northern Ireland this systematic incitement to hatred has become a part of Unionist culture, and hardly draws a comment from the British government.
Let us not forget that Irish nationalists in Northern Ireland have endured years of brutal suppression, inflicted by the British.
NOEL HARRINGTON, Kinsale.
Euro ‘Show’ Contest
ON Saturday night, the Eurovision was won by Israel’s Netta, singing Toy.
According to Netta’s preview, the song she sang, inspired by the #MeToo movement, had an important message: ‘The awakening of female power and social justice, wrapped in a colourful, happy chicken vibe.’ The noises during the song were imitating the voices of a coward (chicken) – and the lyrics went: ‘Someone who doesn’t act the way he/she feels and treats you like a toy.’
The only thing is, this kind of circus should no longer be called the Eurovision Song Contest, but the Eurovision Show Contest instead. It seems that real singing skills, extremely good lyrics, and real, pressing messages on issues that affect us all (e.g. anti-war messages) do not count much on this phantasmagorical yearly Eurovision event.
I suppose it’s a matter of distorted priorities.
CONCETTO LA MALFA, Dublin ...WASN’T China so lucky not to suffer the insufferable on Saturday night; some of that Eurovision stuff was painfully awful.
VAL DAVIS, Crosshaven.
Parents must set example
I TOTALLY agree with Bryony Rees (Letters, May 11) entreating teenagers to withdraw from social media and get a life. Unfortunately, this is their life.
I am far from a teenager, but live alone and depend almost totally on Facebook when at home for social contact. Luckily, I have some very nice Facebook friends, most of whom I know in the flesh.
I also have some lovely hobbies, such as keeping animals, and I read, walk and go to yoga!
At the risk of being shot down, surely it is for parents to set an example to their children on how to have a full and varied life, with healthy social interaction, without depending on social media.
ELAINE ELLIOTT, Navan