Unfair to blame those who tried to help others

I am uncomfortable with the current narrative discourse in the media which looks back in dismay at the efforts of recent generations in taking care of the vulnerable and powerless in Irish society.

There is an assumption that there are people who are to blame for many egregious injustices and that there is a crying need for inquiries to find out who they were so that they and their misdeeds may be exposed.

The narrative continues with the assumption that such exposure will bring a measure of justice to those who suffered. The righting of injustice in some cases may involve financial compensation by the institutions involved.

I think there is another narrative which is more accurate. Our parents and grandparents did their best to deal with situations such as an unmarried daughter getting pregnant, or a suicidal member of the family, and many other difficult situations. The only people available to help for a significant time were priests or sisters who, because of their faith, wished to help, and consequently set up institutions to organise assistance for people in need. Their intention was to help the most vulnerable, often with little or no help from the State.

It seems to me to be profoundly unjust to now victimise the very people who gave their lives in serving the poor and vulnerable. Imagine society two generations from now blaming Fr Peter McVerry for inadequately helping the homeless in Dublin.

Donal Deasy

Granville Avenue

Richmond, BC

Canada