Men want to be dads to their children but mums standing in way

Cllr. Noel Collins probably thinks that father-bashing will enhance his public image, judging by his letter, which was headed “Government should go after absent fathers” (Irish Examiner, July 20). 

If he is concerned about the absence of fathers in so many children’s lives, he should address the reasons why:

In some cases, the men are not aware that they are fathers and, in other cases, they are deliberately excluded by their children’s mothers, who are aided and abetted by the political establishment and the institutions of State.

Over 6,000 cases concerning custody and access are heard by the courts each year, and practically every one of them consists of a father striving to fulfill his paternal duties and a mother obstructing him every step of the way.

These women know that once they obtain the status of ‘lone parent’ they are effectively above the law.

They can flout access orders with impunity, knowing that they will suffer no penalties for doing so.

On the other hand, if a father fails to pay maintenance he will be thrown into jail by a judge without a second thought.

The State’s official position appears to be that fathers are just money providers, who have no other value in their children’s lives.

By calling on the Government to pursue fathers for money, Cllr. Collins is advocating that fathers should have responsibilities without rights.

That is, in effect, a form of slavery.

Matt Harper

Clones Road

Monaghan