Day of mourning - Taoiseach should listen to the nation

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has seriously misjudged the mood of the nation by refusing to declare a national day of mourning to mark the demise of Pope John Paul II.

The decision should be rescinded in acknowledgement of the overwhelming yearning by people to nationally mourn, as a family, the passing of the Pontiff who was spiritual leader to the majority of the population.

John Paul’s funeral takes place on Friday, with the Taoiseach conceding the inadequate compromise of what he has termed a “period of official mourning”.

This means that schools may close if they so wish, and public servants will be facilitated to allow them attend services.

Mr Ahern has magnanimously said if people want to call Friday the national day of mourning he has “no difficulty with that”.

The Taoiseach’s decision is inexplicable and runs contrary to the wishes of the Irish people to nationally mark the Pope’s death.

To assert, as did the Taoiseach, that to declare a day of national mourning for the late Pope would be to create a precedent to similarly mark the demise of other heads of state, is a disingenuous and facile statement.

Plainly, it is his sacred role as Pontiff, not head of the Vatican State, that demands that the wishes of the people be respected by the Government.

Other countries, some not predominantly Catholic, have recognised his remarkable contribution to world affairs, both religious and political, by designating national days of mourning.

Even Cuba has declared three days to mourn the Pope, while in this country, the Government has failed to dignify his passing by neglecting to designate any such day.

The Bishop of Galway, Dr James McLoughlin, has called on the Government to reconsider its decision, as has Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who has suggested that next Sunday be designated a national day of mourning.

Naturally, IBEC and the Small Firms Association support Mr Kenny, on the basis that if one is to be held, it should be on Sunday, so that €600 million of business would not be lost. But marking the death of Pope John Paul II should not be besmirched by consideration of any possible economic consequences.