Cut the hypocrisy

Public disagreement and criticism should never include insulting language or behaviour which of their nature betray a weak argument and insecurity of conviction.

I abhor the public insulting of any person or their beliefs, especially the president of our country. But I also abhor gross hypocrisy when exercised by politicians and media.

I refer to the outpouring of support for the Charlie Hebdo magazine to insult any person and any belief in the interests of free speech. This is a legitimate view held by many but it must be exercised consistently or not at all.

Our Taoiseach was lauded for marching in Paris in support of “free speech” but quickly condemns it when it steps on his own toes. His inconsistency does nothing to build respect for politics or democracy and neither does two-faced reporting and comment by an hysterical and frenzied media. If something is right and acceptable it is right and acceptable in all instances; if it is wrong and unacceptable it is wrong and unacceptable in all instances. Anything less makes hypocrites of us all.

Padraic Neary

Charlestown Road

Tubbercurry, Sligo