Happy families

SUPPORTING the family is a trait that always sat easily with the Irish.

We have recognised this socially and de Valera’s Constitution, as well as the Catholic church, insisted on the pivotal role it played — and plays — be recognised and protected.

It is doubtful if Éamon de Valera, or Archbishop John Charles McQuaid who so influenced our Constitution, would recognise much less support what we define as a family today.

A new report found that the great majority of people — 84% — believe it is better to live with someone before marrying them. Nearly 70% believe that cohabitation without marriage is a solid basis for family life. Even more of us — 85% — conclude that religious reasons for marriage have become less important than they were.

These choices may not have been easily made in another time but surely it is the commitment, the reliability and trust, and most of all the love that supports any partnership that is important. Without these a relationship will not survive no matter how it has been formalised or celebrated.