Are we a narrow tribe or a broad family?

I BELIEVE passionately in a “pluralist” Ireland.

That means that the provision of a range of broadcasting services is as essential as a range of newspapers — monopoly is not an option. A monochrome Ireland is not acceptable.

If we can afford to have Radio na Gaeltachta and a TV service like TG 4 , and if we remain committed to maintain them even at the cost of subsidy by the taxpayers, how can maintaining Protestant schools, on a similar basis, be in any way “unconstitutional” — or not be an absolute imperative when it comes to both policy and budget allocation.

If that nonsense is allowed to stand, it means that being Irish now includes the Gaelic heritage, but excludes the Protestant one.

It is really as simple as that.

And that makes this a defining moment — for both Fianna Fáil as well as for the people of this state.

Let the Government be consistent and clear.

Amend the constitution, if needed, and firmly position Fianna Fáil on this issue — define Irishness as either a narrow, exclusive tribe or as a broad, inclusive family.

And restore funding to Protestant schools exactly as it is provided for broadcasting in Irish and indeed for schooling in Irish as well.

Tom Carew

Ranelagh

Dublin 6