First steps on a slippery slope - Freedom of speech challenged

Generation Snowflake has endured the invective of an older generation that imagines itself more robust, more emotionally and philosophically secure in its skin. That group of young people is accused of being overly sensitive and unable to cope with views other than their own.

Generation Snowflake is not, it seems alone. Yesterday the Save the Eighth campaign called on Dr Peter Boylan to resign as chairman of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists over comments he made in Hot Press. The anti-abortion campaign has launched a petition calling for Dr Boylan, former master of the National Maternity Hospital, to resign because he said at least three Irish women have died because of the Eighth Amendment.

In another example of intolerance that veers towards dangerous autocracy Liz O’Donnell, chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, yesterday described as “disgraceful and self-serving” the behaviour of some rural TDs, who, she suggested, are delaying “vital lifesaving road safety legislation”.

This is a republic ruled by a democratically elected Government and the principle of free speech is non-negotiable. People, especially those eminently qualified to do so like Dr Boylan, are free to express their opinion. Dáil deputies, like those attacked by Ms O’Donnell, are elected to do so.

Attacking individuals because they hold views other than your own is the first step on a very slippery slope.