Referendum celebrations – baying mob or celebration of a new Ireland?

SIR, When the recent referendum result was announced, the spectacle of the carnival atmosphere at Dublin Castle of the baying crowds assembled and engaged in rejoicing with clinched fist gestures of triumphalism at the future killing of the innocence was utterly revolting.

This, along with the saluting, the imparting of accolades and chanting the name of our Taoiseach and failed minister for health, who both made a shameful and extraordinary U-turn on their previous and strongly held anti-abortion stance before getting elected, ought to be considered to be similar to the crucifixion scene.

A scene, where the name of the villain Barabbas was being chanted by the misguided mob to be freed by Pontius Pilot at the expense of the innocent Jesus, who was betrayed by Judas.

Unlike Leo and Simon, at least Judas realised he did wrong and performed the ultimate sacrifice on himself.

Sincerely,

Christy Kelly, Templeglantine,

Co. Limerick. SIR, I read that the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore was “horrified” by the celebrations following the repeal of the Eighth. His horror cannot possibly match what many of us feel each time we learn of yet another atrocity carried out against people in Ireland by the Catholic Church. The ongoing adoption controversy reminds us of what little value the Church places on the lives of babies and their mothers.

On Saturday, May 26, we celebrated the fall of a regime that not only restricted women from receiving free, safe and legal abortions, but also symbolised the end of a reprehensible timeline of abuses by the Catholic Church. The Bishop’s horror is sorely misdirected. Sincerely,

Donna Alexander,

Douglas, Cork.