Sir, - I Quote Protessor Mary McAleese of Queen's University, Belfast, as reported in the most recent issue of Reality magazine. "I have no antipathy towards the integrated schools sector, because my view is that parents ultimately are the free agents of choice for the school system they want for their children. If they want integrated education, by all means they should have it."
I now quote Dr Philip McGarry of the Alliance Party (Irish Times, November 18th): "Those who are genuinely committed to achieving a peaceful and shared society in Northern Ireland believe that every parent should have the right to send children to a school open to all-comers including black, white, yellow, Catholic, Protestant, Jew, Hindu, etc. It is sad and depressing that someone of Professor McAleese's eminence does not seem to share that view."
Three weeks after reading Dr McGarry's letter, I have still not figured out why or how, it does not seem to him that Professor McAleese shares his view. It seems to me that she does share his view - completely.
What difference is there between the view expressed by Professor McAleese and that of Dr McGarry? It seems to me that Professor McAleese believes that parents should have the right to choose, regardless of whether they choose an integrated school or a Catholic school. Dr McGarry asserts the right to choose only when they choose an integrated school.
Can it really be that Dr McGarry finds Professor McAleese's opinion sad and depressing because her sentiments are too liberal for his liking? Does he believe that parents have a right to choose a Catholic school for their children? And does he renounce coercion as a means of achieving greater integration in education? - Yours, etc.,
Swatragh, Co Derry.