As an English teacher, one of my preferred methods of torture (whenever you really don't like the little buggers in front of you - not my words, Ruth, but Sue Cowley's, and she's an expert!) is getting them to do the classic "write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper to comment on..." However, after hearing this story about comments made by our Deputy First Minister (and my MP) yesterday on the wireless, I somehow felt compelled to get out my electronic quill and fire one off to the Telegraph.
For more on the stats I refer to, check out the BBC's Mark Devenport's blog.
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Which God? It's Irrelevant, Martin
Whilst no fan of Iris Robinson (or her party), I am more than a little discouraged by the wave of negativity that has crashed down on her following her comments (July 17th) about "God's laws" being upheld by our governing factions. I don't wish to argue in favour of theocracy, nor do I disagree that "church and state" should remain separate entities - our country is among those that can prove that argument beyond a shadow of a doubt.
However, I was left a little bemused, in particular, by the Deputy First Minister's strong reaction, mostly because it appears to demonstrate either his ignorance or a case of a 'misspeak'. His repost was based on the question, "Which God" does Mrs Robinson refer to? Surely, in our well-rounded society, Mr McGuinness reckons, we should be considering the religious beliefs, not just of the Prebyter or Catholic, but of the minorities as well - which may consider their God different from that of the Strangford MP? He must have failed to check the context within which her remarks came out.
Martin, there might be a need for appreciating variations in belief, but you will go a very, very long way before you find any faith that supports abortion. And in a country where at the last census a little over 86% claim to be Christian, it is surely natural that a devolved government which wishes to function with the concerns of the people at heart should therefore concede that when it comes to big issues like abortion, their constituents' beliefs might play a part.
I also take issue with Eamonn McCann's retort, as noted by Victoria O'Hara in her article (July 18th). "...When somebody says they are guided in politics by God, they can't be a democrat..." As a fully-function God-botherer, and a complete centrist, I beg to differ. As apparently (though perhaps not in the same way!) do the people of Northern Ireland, who supported the moderator of a conservative church as their First Minister.
If Mr McCann wishes to express his opinions, that is up to him, but to so frequently enforce them by sniping at the codes of others is probably a key factor in why he is so entertaining, but so unelectable.
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I sound so conservative! The in-law's will be proud...
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