Learning to live in a divided society

The debate about whether Ireland should re-open an embassy in the Vatican is another predictable call to arms along the age-old and destructive fault lines in our society.

That those fault lines continually shift to reflect that the number of people on either side of the divide is constantly changing does not in any way diminish the passionate — or blinkered if you prefer — arguments made on either side of the debate.

Inevitably cliched and inaccurate accusations are trotted out, just as they are in every other argument in this sphere. Before long more we can expect the same weary protagonists to face each other over abortion and school patronage, religious education in schools and even opening prayers in our parliament and council chambers.