Sir, - In the light of the CSO finding that a 32 per cent of births in this State were outside marriage, I watched with interest and disquiet Paddy O'Gorman's recent TV programme on single mothers. One has nothing but sympathy for the dilemma and panic of a young girl who makes one shattering mistake, and the consequences she has to live with.
Some of those he interviewed had a number of children by different fathers. Almost without exception, the thought of marriage had never occurred to them. "Just a piece of paper", was the general opinion. How does this attitude distinguish us from the animal kingdom? No offence to practitioners of serial mating, human or animal - it just seems strange, not to overstate it.
This regression is not helped by the calculated immoral behaviour of role models in positions of power - in sports, politics or wherever (and if the cap fits, wear it!). It is irresponsible of the media to accept, unquestionably and increasingly, such blatant and arrogant behaviour, and to assume that the Irish people approve. If we had a referendum, I have no doubt you would find that the majority of us still believe we have a choice between right and wrong. - Yours, etc.,
Maire Fox, The Ninch, Laytown, Co Meath.