Language petition oversteps the mark

I WAS disgusted recently to receive a request from our local Gaelscoil to sign a Glór na nGael petition against Fine Gael policy on compulsory Irish.

My disgust was not that of a Fine Gael supporter, but a struggling parent being used as campaign fodder.

This is the same fanaticism which resulted in the great John B Keane being physically attacked by a mob during a public debate on this very subject many moons ago.

It would seem there is a small clique of Padraig Pearse groupies in this country incapable of open and honest debate.

Like most patrons of Gaelscoileanna, I am happy for my children to learn Irish, play traditional music and become acquainted with their cultural heritage at a young age. Like most parents, my grasp of Irish is pretty abysmal. Our collective experience would suggest that ramming it down our throats had a lot to do with this. Ironically, the Gaelscoil/Gaelcoláiste model is tailor-made for the era of optional Irish.

I have no problem signing petitions on issues which directly affect our school and have obvious parental approval. However, this latest request has significantly overstepped the mark and is part of a worrying trend nationally.

Parents feel vulnerable in these situations. There is an understandable tendency to sign and keep your real opinions to yourself.

Vincent Callanan

6 Castlewood Gardens

Pollerton Road

Carlow