Sir, - Reports of a paramilitary-style march in the capital city recently frightened many Dubliners. Other marches, notably that of the farmers, seriously disrupted citizens' mobility in this fair city. Those events may set a mood and could encourage copycat demonstrations.
During the media saturation of controversial marches in Northern Ireland pertinent points were asserted, including:
Consideration for other sections of the community.
The balancing of rights.
The absence of an absolute right to march.
Principles such as fair play and parity of esteem.
The above are also relevant to marches in this jurisdiction.
There is a reasonable case for a body on the model of the Northern Parades Commission to be established in Dublin. It could decide whether controversial and disruptive marches should be permitted and if so, on what conditions. Residents, commuters, traders and shoppers, especially senior citizens, should be democratically represented on such a commission, which must not be dominated by vociferous pressure groups. - Yours, etc., Anthony P. Quinn,
Law Library, Dublin 7.