In Reply to: re: john howard speech. posted by What next? on September 20, 2008 at 00:08:39:

"I also think that people of all, or no religion, should have their beliefs or lack of them respected." very true but reg Religion there all accepted here in Ireland as are people from other nations and i find that heartening. But some people decide for other if something is offensive, you will find all Muslims reg "Jesus" as a prophet, and honour him they never asked for the Crib scene to be removed from the Hospital? but the management of the said Hospital did why as they thought after consultation with all the Chaplins that it would be more appopiate in the Hospital Chapel, there was nothing wrong with that nothing to do with offending others, i work very close with all cultures that have come int Ireland they are settling down and intend to stay, but they respect Ireland and its culture not one of them has ever complained as far as i know, many Irish people have took the trouble to get to know them, to invite them for a meal, to go with them to their Church services, or Mosque including me, and they in their turn have come to our CHristian Churches both Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic and others, we can all learn from each other, its just some well meaning people make decisions on their behalf about offence ect but it does not come from the said communities, we must remember Irish people have been made welcome all over the world, we cant turn others away because we are afraid