Matters of conscience and presidential responsibilities

MICHAEL O’Connell (Letters, October 13) poses the question as to what Dana would do if presented with legislation she found to be morally repugnant.

One hopes she might respond in the manner of St Thomas Moore, when presented with a similar dilemma in his time; his response was — “the King’s good servant, but God’s first ”.

This is a favourite tactic of liberals aimed at individuals they perceive to be socially conservative — a mortal sin in “modern/liberal ” Ireland.

Well, let’s play them at their own game. What, for example would Michael D Higgins (or any of the candidates) do if presented by the State with the following legislative proposals:

*all homosexuals to be expelled from the State.

*the vote to be withdrawn from all non-Roman Catholics.

The logic of Mr O’Connell’s question to Dana, is that the President should uncritically sign the legislation and consign his/her conscience to the dustbin. I know which response I would respect more.

Eric Conway

Navan

Co Meath