Fathers' rights group highlights Christmas suicide risk for separated

FATHERS’ RIGHTS campaigners yesterday threw Christmas wreaths into the River Liffey as part of a campaign to highlight what they say is the heightened risk of suicide facing separated parents over the festive period.

Ray Kelly, of the Unmarried and Separated Families of Ireland group, said Christmas was particularly difficult for many parents who are separated from their children.

A small group of campaigners marched through Dublin city centre dressed in Santa outfits and carrying placards with slogans such as “Let’s put the father back into Christmas”. Later they threw wreaths into the river in a symbolic act to highlight the risk of suicide.

“No one should feel the need to use suicide to escape their problems,” Mr Kelly said.

“Today we’re acknowledging those who have taken their lives, whatever their age, sex or circumstances. All too often suicide is the result of a simple misunderstanding that has caused a rift and, as time elapses, people don’t know how to repair the damage. Today is about saying to fathers and mothers they can sort out whatever it is that is troubling them or keeping them from their loved ones.”

The group called on the Government to make changes to the law that would ensure the best interests of children applied in all cases relating to their welfare.

It wanted training for judges in family law cases to ensure more consistency in the way decisions are made.

“We’ve been campaigning for change for the past 18 years,” Mr Kelly said.

“There are dads here today who have no access to their children, very limited access or even access under supervision. This isn’t good for fathers or their children. As we see it, the judges aren’t properly trained in what is in the best interests of children.”