Columns - Irish Examiner

Fergus Finlay

Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.

I was 65 yesterday. I feel the same as ever, but Ireland has changed

I HAVE no intention of going anywhere. I’m grand. Fit as a fiddle. I’ve passed that point where, as comedian Billy Connolly says, every movement is accompanied by an involuntary groan, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 02 Jun, 2015

Yes we can be brave not afraid, open not closed. All we need is love

It’s simple. If I’m heterosexual, I can get married to the person I love. If I’m not, I can’t, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 19 May, 2015

Bishops are wrong. Where is the God of love and compassion?

A COUPLE of weeks ago the Catholic Bishops of Ireland asked us to reflect on what was proposed in the marriage equality referendum. The common refrain of messages then was “marriage is important. Reflect before you change it.”

Tue, 12 May, 2015

No, Archbishop, a ‘yes’ vote will not change the definition of marriage

My wife and I were married in a registry office... and we were sinners in the eyes of the Church writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 05 May, 2015

Children now have a say in their lives, even in who adopts them

WELL, that was some wait, wasn’t it? Nearly 900 days ago, one million people in Ireland voted in a referendum on the rights of children. This weekend, after endless delays caused by a legal challenge, the Supreme Court has decided that your decision must stand. At last.

Tue, 28 Apr, 2015

It’s time for Ireland to come of age with a young, uncynical President

CAN we talk about the other referendum? 

Tue, 21 Apr, 2015

Gays should be allowed marry the person they love. It’s that simple

LATER this year, with luck, my wife and I will celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary. 

Tue, 14 Apr, 2015

We need to shift gear and lower the national speed limit to save lives

Safer roads enable children to play, encourage people to cycle and walk and reduced speed limits would decrease the number of fatalities on Irish roads, writes Fergus Finlay.

Tue, 07 Apr, 2015

What Irish voters and politicians will learn from the British election

DON’T you just love a neck-and-neck election? That’s what the general election in the UK is shaping up to be. It offers all the potential excitement of our favourite spectator sport. It’s just a month away, and already it looks like it will be a really tough and bruising encounter.

Tue, 31 Mar, 2015

Sometimes, acting on conscience is another form of discrimination

I SET OUT to write about Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, and about conscience and marriage, writes Fergus Finlay

Tue, 24 Mar, 2015