I see today where that virtuous organ (not to be confused with a Venerable Organ) the Irish Independent reports the concern of the Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin over the levels of violence in Ireland today. The Archbishop says it reminds him of the time of the Troubles, when the notion of “an acceptable level of violence” was held by some. He goes on to criticise those who gain from drug-dealing and who orchestrate this kind of violence.
It’s true what he says, and it’s true that it’s the most impoverished sections of Irish society suffer most from this double scourge. But he can’t have been paying attention if it’s just struck him now. In 2002, there were those with high hopes that the appointment of Michael McDowell as Minister for Justice in the south would cure the plague of drug-related killings occurring on a weekly basis. After all, besides being an astute economist, Mr McDowell was seen as someone of stern moral fibre who would not be afraid to confront those engaging in such criminal activity. Oh dear. Mr McDowell was Minister for Justice from 2002-2007, and drug-dealing and gangland killings showed not the slightest sign of abating during his term of office. Instead the economic policies pursued by his party along with their partners Fianna Fail made sure that tens of thousands more were pulled into the swamp of poverty where such crimes breed. Political arrogance combined with economic illiteracy to bring the southern state to its knees.
I’m glad Archbishop Martin has spoken out and even gladder that he’s linked the violence and drug-dealing to poverty. What would be helpful now would be if he were to stress the need for radical political thinking in Ireland, so that Ireland south and north can move from the daft idea that if people at the top get rich enough, it will trickle down and help float the boats of the poor as well. Had the Archbishop’s Easter message contained such a call to politicians, he’d have done the state the kind of service that Minister for Justice McDowell so spectacularly failed to do.
Well said Jude, Mc Dowell and most senior Churchmen were to busy denouncing the Republican Movement to be bothered by drug barons. Maggie may
The Republican movement meanwhile was happy to tar and feather, kneecap or execute drug dealers while getting into bed with FARC in Columbia.
Part of the problem is young people who get involved with drug dealing see the sheer hypocrisy of their so called `superiors`, bankers and politicians have feathered their nests at the expense of the poor, why should someone in Ballymun or Ballymena take any notice of what they say? Of course the politics of `trickle down economics ` are totally absurd.
Remind me how the Republican movement dealt with the drugs issue.Direct Action Against Drugs was,if memory serves me right the name of the I R A execution squad!
Jude, I never will understand why they didn’t send Donal McKeown over to Armagh and keep Eamon Martin at home in Derry.
Not prejudiced or nothing, of course. Just trying to rationalise the Church and save on petrol.
Eduardus Armacanus.