We need have a discussion on Islam and Sharia law

Some months ago, a pastor in Northern Ireland mangled an attempt to talk about Sharia law. He was ridiculed and laughed at, naturally.

Even George Galloway was on the next plane to Ireland, demanding respect for Islam without explaining exactly what Sharia law was or how it might be interpreted differently by a devout Muslim in Bradford, a member of the Salafist movement in Tunisia, a radical Islamist in Syria or a happy-go-lucky Egyptian follower of the Prophet, living in Cairo or Toronto.

The same goes for Jihad and its various radical interpretations.

Who exactly are we to believe?

I only ask because Europe is at another crossroads. It seems to be getting ready to expel Greece, the cradle of Western civilisation, from the euro zone and the European Union ... and perhaps (in the short to medium term) asking Turkey to take its place.

If you think there’s no connection between these seemingly disparate events think again.

Richard Dowling

Patrick Street

Mountrath

Co Laois