Collection smacks of subtle intimidation

RECENTLY, I went to Mass and outside the church a political party was taking up a collection.

I am always surprised to see open buckets used in collections of any description but this was worse again.

You laid your money on a card table, there was one on both sides of the church gate, each manned by two of the local handlers.

To my mind this is subtle intimidation, particularly in a small town where people imagine the local political parties have more power than they let on.

It is akin to the old days when the priest would read out the contributions at Sunday Mass. What will they be at next — bag packing in supermarkets?

Paul Egan

Whitethorn

Tullaghanogue

Trim

Co Meath