No room for old Irish ‘prejudices’ in this country

BEING familiar with Ian Smith’s contributions to the letters page over the years, I was not surprised at his reference to his ‘‘Bog Irish greatgrandmother’’ (Letters, 7.11.20).

I was, however, very surprised that you would publish it.

The term is at best derogatory, at worst hateful.

While Mr Smith was using it to highlight his ancestors’ wisdom, it was I believe in very bad taste.

The term was popular in colonial times to identify Irish emigrants who left home without education to labour all over the world.

It harks back to a time when publications like Punch depicted the Irish as subhuman. It has no place in the 21st century.

Sadly, the plight of the Irish in the 19th century was mainly due to their staunch resistance to British rule.

They were denied education and the basics of life unless they gave up their language and religion.

Nowadays, such a struggle against bullies would be supported by free nations like New Zealand.

Irish emigrants like Mr Smith’s greatgrandmother contributed to new societies all over the world where the freedoms they were denied at home are now taken for granted.

The old prejudices still exist — I have encountered them occasionally myself in my own time here in New Zealand. Please don’t give them oxygen in your newspaper.

Richard O’Mahony

North East Valley

Southland coverage

IT is a grey, gloomy day in Invercargill. The Otago Daily Times delivered a ray of sunshine.

I am unreservedly oneeyed with my paper. But I must admit to acts of treachery. To keep up with local news, I buy the occasional Southland paper.

Now the ODT is including Invercargill in the regions section, I won’t need to buy the local rag. Thank you.

Carol Sheldon

Invercargill ..................................

BIBLE READING: Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. — Romans 6:11.