Oireachtas address - A welcome visitor

Yesterday’s address by Orange Order Grand secretary Drew Nelson to the Oireachtas was a welcome and significant moment in the evolution of an Ireland at peace with all of its traditions, old and new.

Mr Nelson pointed out that the Republic has not supported Protestants in the border counties as well as the British government has looked after Catholics in the North. He pointed too to a change in the way in which Protestant education is funded. He is right but surely the role of segregated education in this country’s tragic past cannot be ignored? Surely it’s time to review the role of all religions in our schools rather than enhance and protect it?