Sir, - I recently had the honour, as senior vice-president of the Law Society of Ireland, to represent the solicitors' branch of the legal profession at the joint Protestant religious service held in St Michan's Church to celebrate the commencement of the new law year. It was a fitting and appropriate service.
Ireland's Constitution and laws apply to all people regardless of religious beliefs. The courts interpret and apply the Constitution and laws of Ireland without regard to the religious beliefs of those who appear before them whether they be litigants, lawyers, or otherwise.
Yet no fewer than six religious services were held to celebrate the commencement of the new law year.
Should not the commencement of the law year in Ireland be celebrated by a non-denominational service? Such a service might rotate between the different churches and other places of worship in Dublin - or alternatively, and preferably I suggest, be held in the Four Courts building itself.
One service to celebrate the commencement of the new law year would send a signal from lawyers in this country to the world, and particularly to those living in Northern Ireland, that we live in a non-sectarian, united, open and tolerant society. - Yours, etc., Patrick O' Connor,
Callow, Foxford, Co Mayo.