Print
E-mailI was unfortunate enough to be off work recently, and even more unfortunate to tune in to the Gerry Ryan radio show. The topic of debate (a grand term for a bunch of aul' wans gossiping) was the visit of the Catholic hierarchy to the Vatican. One has often heard the phrase that ill-informed, anti-Catholic bigotry is the oldest prejudice of all; well this particular show had it all.
Worst of all, and as is all too typical of RTé, the host, rather than acting as neutral referee, became party to fanning the flames of ignorance.
A particular bone of contention was the scandalous fact that the bishops kissed the papal ring – the ring of the fisherman.
This ancient practice of Catholic tradition was totally misinterpreted in an orgy of anti-Catholic bigotry. One used to naïvely feel that nothing could surpass some of the anti-papal tirades of Ian Paisley.
Well done Gerry, for maintaining the usual high standards of RTé programming.
Eric Conway,
7 Balreask Village,
Navan,
Co Meath
del.icio.us
digg
Facebook
Google
You refer to the victims of abuse who called his show to speak of their childhood abuse "aul' wans gossiping". Eric Conway, you would no doubt have made a fine bishop or priest.