Constitution unfit for purpose

So the inevitable has happened and it is our fault.

As we proudly claim, this is our Constitution and can only be amended by us, whilst, like the pharisee in the temple, we give thanks that we are not as others are. Sadly, we are, and our attempt at seizing the moral ground has left us looking barbaric.

What must we do? Start all over again with a new constitution. A constitution which sticks to the true concern of a constitution, namely the proper distribution and use of power.

This time we must resist the temptation to go down the primrose path of wishful thinking, believing we can create the perfect state. We cannot. The endless amendments to our present Constitution clearly demonstrate that it is unfit for purpose.

We must leave complex social considerations to our legislature instead of allowing them to use the constitution as a wind break that they can use to shelter from the cold reality of their duties as law makers.

That, however, is for the future. For the present, we must ensure that the truth of the tragic events in Galway Hospital is revealed by a swift, sworn, public inquiry.

Fergus O’Leary

Passage West

Co Cork