Sir, - It was with much gratification that I read the article on shared parenting (September 11th). At a time when separation, divorce, etc, are spiralling, we must be ever conscious of the suffering and heartache of all involved, not just women but men, relations, and most important, the children.
However, to introduce the issue that "just because men are violent, sexually abusive or deserters decimated the preceding hope and favourable image of men. There are faults on both sides, but men's views and rights must be accounted for when making decisions of law regarding access", visitation, etc.
Men have an equally important role to play in parenting, yet face insurmountable odds at times to get even basic rights, especially unmarried fathers. The law must be changed to accommodate these people who, rather than being deserters, strive to embrace the family role. -Yours, etc.,
ENF (Equality for Natural
Fathers),
Oldcourt Lawn,
Firhouse,
Dublin 24.